Digital News

　　At this year’s “Two Sessions”, artificial intelligence (AI) once again emerged as a highly discussed topic. The Government Work Report proposed to advance and expand the AI Plus Initiative, accelerate the promotion of new-generation smart terminals and intelligent agents, drive the commercialization and large-scale application of AI in key industries and sectors, and foster new AI-native business forms and models.

　　As a strategic technology leading a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, AI has become a new focal point of international competition and a new engine for economic development. As Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng stated at the first “Ministerial Passage” of this year’s “Two Sessions”, AI, this “key variable,” is becoming a “robust growth driver” for high-quality economic development.

　　How can we leverage this “robust growth driver” to create new forms of the smart economy? How can we safeguard security while developing AI, ensuring that innovation stays on a sustainable path? Reporters from Economic Daily held discussions with National People’s Congress (NPC) deputies and members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in the AI field to explore pathways for the high-quality development of artificial intelligence.

　　The Viral Sensation of “Raising the Lobster”

　　“Everyone is in a great hurry, worried about missing out on ‘raising the lobster’.” The topic of “raising the lobster” mentioned by Gao Wen, a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of the Peng Cheng Laboratory, at a group meeting of the Guangdong delegation during the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress has drawn wide attention. The “lobster” Gao referred to is an open-source AI agent billed as “taking over computers and freeing up human hands,” named after its red lobster icon. In Gao’s view, the unexpected popularity of “raising the lobster” signifies the continuous improvement of AI innovation capabilities and epitomizes how artificial intelligence empowers all sectors of society and drives industrial upgrading.

　　Regarding the first mention of forging new forms of the smart economy in this year’s Government Work Report, Gao noted that integrating AI technologies with existing economic activities will undoubtedly give rise to new forms of the smart economy. “The commercialization of AI must align with market demand, and priority should be given to sectors with sufficient capital and strong demand,” he said.

　　“The new proposal of forging new forms of the smart economy is one of the most impressive parts of this year’s Government Work Report,” said He Xiaopeng, another NPC deputy and chairman and CEO of XPeng Motors. He pointed out that the smart economy, an emerging concept initially proposed in 2025 and now developing rapidly, has been included in the Government Work Report, which fully demonstrates the country’s precise grasp of the trend of technological transformation.

　　He stated that in 2025, the share of the added value of China’s core digital economy industries in GDP rose to over 10.5% and will continue to grow in the future. The integration of the real economy with artificial intelligence will not only transform existing industries but also give birth to entirely new industries and jobs. In the future, various intelligent economic forms will change the lives of many people.

　　Foundation and Application Scenarios are Both Indispensable

　　As a new type of infrastructure in the era of artificial intelligence, computing power, together with data and algorithms, stands as a key factor of production for the intelligent economy.” With the accelerated breakthrough of new-generation information technologies and industries, computing power has become a critical national infrastructure and strategic resource. As AI sees further large-scale application in the future, we must consolidate the digital foundation of computing power,” said Deputy Gao.

　　In terms of computing power layout, Gao noted that systematic planning is required. We should not only build large-scale computing centers under national guidance and carry out model training using low-cost electricity, but also deploy distributed and small-scale computing centers in regions requiring real-time response in line with market demand, so as to balance user experience.

　　“The development of software and hardware needs to accommodate diversity. While supporting domestic technologies, we should continue to leverage mature foreign technologies in which early investments have been made. Open-source and closed-source models can coexist, forming a sound development pattern of mutual complementarity and progress,” Gao said.

　　To foster new forms of the intelligent economy, we need both the support of new-type infrastructure and the accelerated expansion of application scenarios.

　　“We are greatly encouraged that this year’s Government Work Report included low-altitude economy as an emerging pillar industry for the first time,” said Deputy He. XPeng’s low-altitude economy team has been in operation for 13 years, and the company expects mass production and delivery of flying cars to customers by the end of this year. Low-altitude economy enjoys distinctive advantages in special geographical regions. With sound technological innovation, safety and quality assurance, and scaled development, flying cars are expected to enter thousands of households.

　　In the field of robotics, He introduced that XPeng has fully shifted to the research and development of anthropomorphic humanoid robots since 2023.”Leveraging the technologies, chips and other achievements accumulated over 10 years of R&D in automotive autonomous driving, we have realized the interoperability between robotic and automotive technology platforms. We believe that bipedal humanoid robots will become the largest category of robots in terms of scale,” He stated. He expressed hope to join hands with more Chinese enterprises to expand into global markets, and called for more policy guidance to support tech companies in going global to achieve win-win development.

　　Putting in Place “Safety Guardrails” for AI

　　During this year’s “Two Sessions”, deputies and members, while paying close attention to the surging popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, have also placed a particular emphasis on striking the right balance in AI governance.

　　“Innovation without security cannot go far or stay steady. Security and innovation are not opposites but two wings of one body. It is critical to put in place ‘safety guardrails’ for AI in advance,” said Qi Xiangdong, a CPPCC member, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and Chairman of Qi An Xin Technology Group. He noted that we must adapt to the transformative trend of “AI+” scenarios, accelerate the upgrading and transformation of the cybersecurity system, and build a strong national digital security barrier.

　　Giving equal priority to development and governance and advancing them in an integrated manner has been the consistent stance of the Chinese government on AI development. This year’s Government Work Report both calls for deepening and expanding “AI+” applications and stresses improving AI governance. This means that while encouraging technological innovation in AI, we must also define its safety boundaries through laws, regulations, and standards.

　　Regarding the development of AI agents, which has drawn intense attention recently, Gao believes that this year marks a critical period for the practical application of AI agents. Both technical norms and ethical constraints must be adopted in tandem to foster their healthy development. “The development of new technologies should not be left unchecked, nor should it be stifled by over-regulation. We must adhere to the principles of ‘technology for progress’ and ‘technology for good’ to achieve a dynamic balance between innovation and regulation.” Gao stressed.

　　“The dividends of AI technology have fully spilled over to traditional industries, making it an essential capability for enterprise development. Going forward, we need to address security issues in three areas—dedicated security protection, a closed-loop system for data asset security, and building practical combat capabilities—to strike a good balance between development and governance,” Qi said.