China pushes deeper AI integration with advanced manufacturing
Industrial AI integration is becoming increasingly important within China’s economic strategy.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for deeper integration between AI and advanced manufacturing as China seeks to accelerate the intelligent upgrading of its industrial economy.
Li made the remarks during an inspection tour of technology companies in Beijing, where he was briefed on innovation and industrial development in intelligent robotics. He described intelligent robots as a key vehicle for integrating AI with advanced manufacturing.
The premier called for stronger basic research, breakthroughs in core technologies and further exploration at the frontier of intelligent robotics. He also urged faster innovation in complete machines, key components, and intelligent decision-making and control systems to support high-quality industrial development.
Li said China should make use of its large domestic market, complete industrial chains and wide range of application scenarios to expand the intelligent robotics sector. He also said enterprises should play a leading role in industrial transformation.
Companies were encouraged to advance intelligent upgrades across the full production process, including research and development, design, manufacturing, operations management and after-sales services.
Why does it matter?
The remarks show how China is positioning AI as part of industrial modernisation, not only as a digital services technology. By linking AI with robotics, manufacturing processes and enterprise-led upgrading, Beijing is reinforcing the role of intelligent systems in productivity, competitiveness and high-quality industrial growth.
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