China has rolled out its new "AI+" action plan, framing AI as a fresh engine to upgrade industries and reshape the economy.
The announcement comes as the country reports steady economic performance through the first seven months of 2025.
A National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) news conference on Friday said that China is entering a new phase of technological integration with the launch of the "AI+" initiative, modeled after the earlier "Internet+" campaign but aimed at driving deeper transformation across economic and social fields.
"While 'Internet+' focused on connectivity and process efficiency, 'AI+' represents a leap from information exchange to knowledge creation and application. The timing of the rollout reflects AI's growing maturity," said Huo Fupeng, director of Innovation-driven Development Center under the NDRC.
The initiative is seen as a key to developing what China calls "new quality productive forces" and to building a smart economy and society.
"Combined goods and services sales increased nearly five percent in the first seven months. We must ensure policy continuity, accelerate the introduction of policies in areas such as digital consumption and 'AI+' consumption, promote consumption of services such as cultural tourism and camping," said Li Chao, deputy director of policy research office under the NDRC.
As China accelerates AI integration and works to sustain economic momentum, the "AI+" era looks set to redefine how the economy grows and competes. The government has said it will continue to support high-quality growth through stronger domestic circulation and expanded demand-side policy.
China launches “AI+” initiative to drive smart growth
