During a visit to Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for deeper collaboration between artificial intelligence and manufacturing industries to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and help build a self-sufficient modern industrial system.
- Focus on AI-driven innovation to uplift manufacturing capabilities
- Expansion of manufacturing service platforms for SMEs
- Emphasis on talent development and venture capital for future industries
What happened
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for a stronger integration of artificial intelligence with the manufacturing sector during a visit to an AI application testing base in Shanghai. He stressed the critical role of combining China's manufacturing expertise with advances in digital technology to drive industrial upgrades and innovation. The premier encouraged the development of comprehensive manufacturing service platforms aimed at supporting industrial design, pilot testing, and intelligent maintenance.
Li’s visit comes as part of a broader governmental push to expand advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies in China. His message coincides with recent calls from President Xi Jinping to build greater resilience and self-sufficiency in China’s supply chains. The government also aims to strengthen basic research and foster breakthroughs in core technologies to underpin these efforts.
Why it matters
China is competing globally to lead in advanced manufacturing and digital innovation, sectors vital for economic security and technological independence. The country’s concerted effort to harness AI within manufacturing addresses both productivity challenges and the need for resilient domestic supply chains amid international uncertainties.
By supporting small and medium enterprises through service platforms and promoting venture capital investment, Beijing is targeting inclusive growth within its industrial ecosystem. Additionally, Premier Li's focus on talent development underscores the recognition that human capital is essential for sustaining technological advances and nurturing innovators crucial to China's future industry competitiveness.
What to watch next
Close attention will be given to progress on the creation and expansion of AI-powered manufacturing service platforms, especially how they benefit smaller companies in upgrading their operations. The success of these platforms could be a key indicator of how effectively China can drive industrial modernization at scale.
Additionally, observers should monitor shifts in venture capital flow toward future industries and the establishment of financial mechanisms to support long-term, high-risk R&D projects. Talent cultivation initiatives and international collaborations, including China’s role in skills development through platforms like WorldSkills, will also be important areas to watch as the country seeks to solidify its position as a global manufacturing and innovation power.