Xi Jinping says 'epoch-making technological transformation' of AI can change the human race - but unsurprisingly wants Chinese firms to lead the way

• Xi Jinping emphasizes AI as a transformative force comparable to the early Internet era
• Beijing believes software-level gains with domestic deployment will overcome foreign restrictions
• China focuses on AI and semiconductors despite limited high-end accelerator access

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of developing artificial intelligence.

At his first formal meeting with ministers of 2026, Xi described AI as an “epoch-making technological transformation,” comparable to quantum computing and biotechnology, and likened it to the industrial revolution and the early Internet era.

Xi urged officials to break development bottlenecks that continue to slow domestic technology, stressing a “whole-of-nation” approach to support indigenous capabilities and maintain global competitiveness.