Learning from China on leveraging AI sophistication

In many developing nations, including Indonesia, people are still in the early stages of learning to recognise and utilise artificial intelligence (AI). However, in China, discussions regarding AI are moving towards more concrete applications. Technology is no longer viewed as a standalone entity, but rather as a tool to resolve real-world issues faced by industry and society.

This is clearly evident at the fourth Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo (TISIE) in northern Tianjin, China. The exhibition, held in early June 2026, focused on the theme of global shipping and a future driven by AI. While the theme may sound technical and solely focused on the maritime world, a deeper look reveals much larger lessons that developing nations, including Indonesia, can learn.

The lesson is not merely about technology, but about the mindset required to face such dynamic changes. China, known for decades as the world’s largest manufacturing nation, is now striving to go further by making digital technology and AI an integral part of its national industrial system. Interestingly, the focus is not on creating technology that is merely spectacular, but on how that technology can make systems work better, more efficiently, and more responsively to change.

The exhibition showcased various sectors, ranging from green shipping and maritime equipment to logistics services. All these sectors are essentially the lifeblood of global trade. Amidst increasing global trade volumes, supply chain complexities, and rising demands for efficiency, the use of AI is seen as an unavoidable necessity.

Xu Kai, Head of Information at the Shanghai International Shipping Institute, provided an interesting insight into this developmental direction. According to him, China has built the world’s largest network of automated container terminals. Breakthroughs have been made in port crane technology, intelligent guide vehicles, and automated stacking systems.

However, the most interesting aspect is not the existence of these machines. Xu emphasised the next challenge: how all this equipment can adapt to changing conditions in real time. Ships may arrive earlier or later; weather can change suddenly; and cargo flows can surge unexpectedly. In such situations, machines cannot simply execute pre-programmed commands. AI is required to understand changing conditions, perform reasoning, and then make decisions that help the system operate optimally.

This presents a vital lesson. In previous eras, many organisations pursued digitalisation merely by moving manual processes onto computer systems. Now, the challenge is different. Technology must be able to help humans understand increasing complexity and make better decisions.

Indonesia faces a challenge that is not much different. As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, port and logistics efficiency are crucial factors in determining economic competitiveness. When AI is utilised to accelerate the movement of goods, reduce logistics costs, and improve decision-making accuracy, the benefits are felt not only by large corporations but also by MSME entrepreneurs who rely on smooth distribution. Furthermore, China is known for its boldness in establishing long-term visions.