Kyodo News:

My questions are about the AI Plus initiative first mentioned in the 2024 government work report. Over the past year, China's AI sector – particularly its private industry – has made remarkable progress. Global attention has focused on innovations such as DeepSeek's generative AI and Unitree Robotics' AI-powered robots. This year's report also mentions the AI Plus initiative. What development blueprint has the Chinese government outlined for this initiative? What policies are being prioritized to support this emerging field? Additionally, global competition in AI is intensifying. What strategies is China considering for collaborative development with international partners, such as Japan? Thank you.

Shen Danyang:

These questions all pertain to AI-related topics. I would now like to invite Mr. Chen to address them collectively.

Chen Changsheng:

Thanks for your questions. First, your Chinese is very good. AI is a hot topic that has captured the world's attention. Last year's government work report first proposed the implementation of the AI Plus initiative. As you have seen, particularly around the Spring Festival, China's AI sector has indeed accelerated thanks to the collaborative efforts of innovation-driven high-tech enterprises, research institutions, and governments at all levels. For example, DeepSeek has gained global fame, and Unitree Robotics performed a traditional Yangge dance at the Spring Festival Gala. Everyone is wondering why the "Six Little Dragons of Hangzhou" (DeepSeek, Unitree Robotics and other four emerging tech companies in the city) have suddenly become so popular. Many AI applications are rapidly advancing in their implementation, and there is great excitement about them.

Recently, there has been a growing awareness of the positive trend in the international capital market toward re-evaluating Chinese assets. This phenomenon offers a distinct perspective on how AI drives economic development. This year's government work report proposes to continue promoting the AI Plus initiative, aiming to capitalize on the breakthrough in AI technology. It seeks to fully integrate China's digital technologies with its manufacturing strengths and market scale, drive the adoption of large-scale AI models across the board, and aim to bring AI into every household and empower every sector. We have noted that relevant departments are stepping up efforts, focusing on the following areas of work this year.

First, in terms of empowering industrial development, AI should be extensively utilized across the industrial, agricultural and service sectors. This should involve actively supporting the development and application of large-scale AI models in specific industries, ensuring that AI effectively drives the transformation and upgrading of industries, as well as empowers new quality productive forces.

Second, in terms of terminal applications, Premier Li Qiang specifically mentioned in the report this morning that we should vigorously develop next-generation intelligent terminals, including intelligent connected vehicles, AI-enabled smartphones and computers, and intelligent robots. Developing AI terminals not only leverages our manufacturing strengths to accelerate commercial implementation but also aligns more closely with people's needs, enabling them to enjoy intelligent living sooner.

Third, in terms of scenario cultivation, this year will witness the rollout of demonstration initiatives on the large scale application of new technologies, products, and scenarios. Provided that usage is safe, AI applications will be accelerated in areas such as the low-altitude economy, education and training, medical services, and health care. In this process, it is essential to prevent unnecessary private deployment and a project-based approach, which could lead to market fragmentation. The benefits of large-scale application, rapid iteration and continuous upgrading should be fully utilized to encourage a harmonious interaction between technological innovation and market applications.

In addition, the development of AI requires continuing breakthroughs in core technologies in key areas, accelerating the development and utilization of data, optimizing the layout of national computing resources, and so forth. AI talents, especially younger ones, should be supported by providing them with additional resources, encouraging them to take risks and innovate freely, and creating a more dynamic innovation ecosystem and an inclusive environment that enables them to excel.

Let's turn our attention to international cooperation. AI governance is a shared challenge for countries worldwide, requiring global efforts that include international cooperation to which Japan should contribute. In 2023, China released the Global AI Governance Initiative, advocating for a people-centered approach and the principle of developing AI for good, with the aim to ensure that AI develops in a direction that truly benefits human civilization. Furthermore, we advocate for the equal, fair and open use of AI for all countries, attaching great importance to the establishment of ethical principles for AI. China has expressed its support for coordinating international efforts within the United Nations framework to address issues concerning AI development, security and governance. Throughout history, technological progress has consistently played a crucial role in breaking down barriers and dismantling protectionism in all its forms. We hope that, in the current international context, AI will bring positive momentum that promotes cooperation and enhances multilateralism. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Two journalists have their hands raised. We will take the last two questions, please.