Beijing Doubles Down on AI Ambitions, Targeting Global Innovation Leadership
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Beijing is accelerating its push to become a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, with city leaders emphasizing the need for breakthroughs in core technologies and wider industrial applications. Recent inspections by Yin Yong, deputy secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, underscore a commitment to fostering a thriving AI ecosystem and leveraging the city’s existing strengths in science, technology, and talent.
The city’s strategy, aligned with directives from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the Central Economic Work Conference, focuses on bridging the gap between research and practical implementation. “Artificial intelligence is a key technology leading a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation,” a senior official stated, highlighting the transformative potential of the field.
Exploring the Frontiers of AI Research
Yin Yong’s visits included the Beijing Zhiyuan Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, where he examined progress in open-source ecosystem construction, large-scale model research and development, and ongoing scientific initiatives. The institute’s role in AI research, ecological development, and industrial collaboration received high praise. Officials encouraged the institute to capitalize on its advantages as a new research and development institution, focusing on cutting-edge areas and fostering joint research efforts to produce internationally influential results.
Specifically, the focus will be on deepening collaboration with companies in fields like robotics and medical institutions to drive the industrialization of AI solutions in areas such as embodied intelligence and life and health. This collaborative approach aims to create mutually beneficial business models and accelerate the translation of research into tangible applications.
Boosting Domestic Computing Power with GPU Innovation
Recognizing the critical role of computing power in AI development, Yin Yong also inspected Moore Thread, a national “little giant” enterprise specializing in the design of full-featured GPU chips. He emphasized the explosive growth in demand for computing resources driven by AI’s rapid advancement.
“Companies will seize the opportunity, give full play to their first-mover advantage, seize market opportunities, increase technology research and development,” a company release quoted the Mayor as saying. The goal is to build a world-leading, independent, and controllable AI ecosystem and expand the application of domestic computing power across key sectors. .
Beijing’s Existing Strengths and Future Plans
Beijing already boasts the richest concentration of AI innovation resources in China, and the city has been actively accelerating its AI development in recent years. The strategy includes strengthening technological innovation in cutting-edge areas, increasing research on core technologies like large models and core algorithms, and implementing the “artificial intelligence +” action plan.
This plan will prioritize vertical and integrated applications, empowering future industries such as humanoid robots. The city also intends to launch benchmark demonstration application scenarios in fields like medical care, education, and cultural consumption to showcase the transformative potential of AI.
To support these initiatives, municipal departments and districts are tasked with bolstering the supply of essential resources – including computing power, data, platforms, and talent – to ensure continued breakthroughs in AI exploration and innovation. The ultimate ambition is for Beijing to lead the development of the global AI industry.
Zeng Jin, Secretary-General of the Municipal Government, participated in the inspections. (Reporter Yang Qi)
