Reasons China Decisively Overtakes America Using AI and Robots
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - China is making full efforts to surpass the United States (US). It is doing so by developing various technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
These efforts are outlined in the five-year policy plan. The government details its ambition to adopt AI across all sectors and dominate emerging technologies such as quantum computing and humanoid robots.
“China will seize the leading position in scientific and technological development and strive to achieve major breakthroughs in key core technologies,” the plan states, quoted from Reuters on Thursday (9/4/2026).
The five-year plan encompasses various targets and socio-economic policies. Reuters reports that AI is mentioned more than 50 times, with a comprehensive AI+ action plan.
This focus reflects China’s need to address its rapidly ageing workforce and the demographic crisis it threatens, as well as fierce competition with the US.
One measure included in the plan is using robots to perform work in sectors facing labour shortages. Additionally, deploying AI agents for tasks with minimal human guidance.
The work report also mentions plans to increase investment in AI, quantum computing, and up to 6G technologies. This includes achieving breakthroughs in nuclear fusion technology.
Kyle Chan from the Brookings Institution think tank said the goal of using AI and robotics is to enhance productivity and performance across various sectors.
“Beijing’s aim in using AI and robotics is to boost productivity and performance in various sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to education and healthcare,” he stated.
Technology and industry policy analyst from Gavekal Dragonomics, Tilly Zhang, highlighted the use of open sources. This marks a difference between the country’s AI approach and that of the US.
“Open source was not mentioned in previous reports, and this is a major difference between China’s AI approach and the US,” Zhang said.
“I am confident that China has learned from this and decided to make open-source AI a flagship strategy and advantage over the US,” she added.