Global AI Governance Law and Policy: China

This article is part of a series on global AI governance law and policy.

There is no doubt that China has become one of the world’s most important countries in artificial intelligence, driven by advanced innovations, robust investments and a wide range of AI applications.

China first introduced intelligent computing into its National Medium and Long-Term Technology Development Plan in 2006, laying the foundation for setting AI as a transformative technology. In 2015, the State Council of China released the national strategy of Internet Plus, identifying AI as one of the country’s strategic emerging industries. The strategy also set the goal of establishing China as a major hub for AI innovation by 2030. Following that national strategy, a comprehensive AI ecosystem has emerged. Major Chinese technology and internet companies have rapidly launched AI products and services across diverse fields.

On 27 Aug. 2025, the State Council of China issued the AI Plus Action Plan, which is widely regarded as the blueprint for the country's national AI strategy in the coming years. According to this plan, China will prioritize the use and deployment of AI in six areas: science and technology development, industrial utilisation, consumer services, public welfare, governance and security, and international collaborations. The country aims to achieve 70% AI penetration in key sectors by 2027 and 90% by 2030, with a vision of building a fully AI-powered economy and society by 2035.

Since 2021, China has introduced a series of detailed AI policies and regulations, reflecting a maturing environment that balances innovations with governance and data security. These frameworks include important AI regulations, industry standards, technical guidelines and court rulings that cover algorithms, deepfakes, generative AI, privacy, intellectual property protection, AI ethics and content labelling.

Approach to regulation