China accelerates development of AI terminal market to foster new growth drivers

China is stepping up efforts to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) terminal market to foster new drivers for economic growth.

The AI terminals include various products, ranging from smartphones, intelligent household appliances, smart cars to humanoid robots.

Global market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) forecast that shipments in China's smart terminal market will grow by four percent in 2025, with total shipments of AI devices expected to increase by 20 percent year on year.

"China has the dual advantages of the most complete manufacturing system and a super-large market. As important carriers for AI applications, AI-enhanced smartphones and computers play a key role in the development of new-generation intelligent terminals. They will accelerate the intelligent upgrade of traditional electronic information manufacturing industries and cultivate new drivers for economic growth," said Hu Xiaopeng, head of the communication industry research center of CCID Consulting.

Experts noted that companies across the entire industry chain, including chips, operating systems, and telecom operators, are increasingly focusing on the application of large language models and creating AI terminals. As AI is becoming the core competitive advantage and a key selling point for many smart devices, it represents a huge opportunity in the smart terminal market.

"The series of transformations will promote the further application of large language models in the real economy, and we will finally achieve the organic integration of the digital economy, digital technology, and manufacturing advantages. This will force us to transform from a traditional manufacturing powerhouse to a nation with great strength in intelligent manufacturing," said Gong Zheng, an engineer of the Technology and Standards Research Institute of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology.

China accelerates development of AI terminal market to foster new growth drivers

The Bayannur section of the Yellow River in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region became fully frozen as of 07:00 Sunday, officially entering its stable winter ice period.

Freezing of the river commenced on December 4, 2025, but repeated thawing and refreezing driven by temperature fluctuations and higher water flow postponed a full, stable freeze-over. The entire process lasted 48 days, 29 days longer than the previous year, making it the longest freezing period for this section in recent years.

In response to the extended and volatile freezing process, local authorities in Bayannur City and districts along the river have intensified their ice-jam prevention efforts. Officials have been conducting thorough inspections to identify and manage any potential obstacles within the river channel that could contribute to dangerous ice dams.

To ensure safety and stability during the frozen season, a 24-hour monitoring and patrol system has been implemented along the riverbanks to watch for any signs of ice-related hazards.

Inner Mongolia section of Yellow River enters stable ice period after 48 days