According to a report by China Daily on March 8,
China is rapidly solidifying its position at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) deployment, leveraging massive domestic markets, diverse real-world scenarios, and strong government support to accelerate innovation and commercialization. Analysts and industry leaders highlight that China is not only advancing AI research but also leading globally in applied technologies.
Application-Driven AI Leadership
According to Pan Jiaofeng, deputy to the National People’s Congress and president of the Institutes of Science and Development at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China has already surpassed the United States in the use of AI large models, nearly doubling U.S. deployment in some areas.
“China is ahead in application-driven development,” Pan said. He emphasized that while gaps remain in high-end chips and foundational model architectures, China’s strategy of using applications to drive innovation is expected to spur upstream technological breakthroughs over time.
The 2026 Spring Festival Gala showcased this progress, demonstrating AI’s integration into entertainment, robotics, and industrial applications, offering the public a tangible view of technological achievements.
Humanoid Robots: From Training to Real-World Jobs
China’s humanoid robot industry is transitioning from demonstrations to practical deployments across factories, warehouses, and service sectors. At specialized robot training centers in Shandong, Zhejiang, and Anhui, humanoid robots are learning tasks such as transporting goods, folding clothes, and providing home care.
Performances at national events, including the Spring Festival Gala, highlight robots’ coordination, perception, and adaptability. Algorithms developed for stage formations and obstacle handling are directly applicable to warehouse management, factory automation, and service robotics.
Over 140 humanoid robot manufacturers and more than 330 robot models exist in China. According to a 2025 Morgan Stanley report, China accounts for 54 percent of global industrial robot installations and has filed five times more humanoid robot patents than the United States over the past five years.
Industry Support and Commercialization
Government-backed pilot bases, funded primarily with state capital, have been instrumental in fostering cooperation, identifying application scenarios, and accelerating deployment. Companies like Unitree Robotics, Xingjie Innovation Robotics, and Gelanruo are leveraging these platforms to expand into intelligent manufacturing, smart warehousing, and service-oriented robotics.
“The surge in humanoid robots is driven by enhanced AI capabilities and growing computing power of AI chips, enabling robots to operate in increasingly complex environments,” said Li Dezheng, general manager of Xingjie Innovation Robotics. Government support has created opportunities for real-world testing, giving Chinese firms a competitive edge internationally.
Investment and Innovation Outlook
China’s AI industry exemplifies application-led innovation, combining cutting-edge research with early deployment in commercial and public sectors. The government’s involvement ensures supply-demand alignment, fast-tracks regulatory approvals, and cultivates a robust ecosystem for experimentation.
Investors and international partners can look to China as a key hub for:
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Humanoid robotics for industrial, logistics, and service applications
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Large-model AI deployment for enterprise solutions
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Embedded AI in manufacturing and digital infrastructure
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Research commercialization supported by policy and state-backed pilot programs
China’s AI landscape is entering a critical stage of large-scale implementation, offering global investors access to one of the world’s most advanced and rapidly expanding AI markets.