Rapid AI Sector Progress Attracts Attention During China’s 14th National People’s Congress

The uptick in attention to China’s technological breakthroughs, including major advancements in the Artificial Intelligence (AI)Sector, as a result of DeepSeek’s recent successes in AI development and cutting-edge robotics development, caught the eye of Deputies at the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), during the annual meetings of China’s highest organ of state power, the National People’s Congress (NPC) currently in progress.

The initial focus emerged during the NPC’s opening meeting when Premier Li Qiang, in
presenting the 2025 Government Work Report, stated that China will promote the growth of
industries, including AI, and support the widespread application of large-scale AI models as
essential components of the digital economy. He urged that AI be utilized to enhance efficiency in the real economy and called for the integration of digital technology with manufacturing and markets, endorsing the extensive use of large AI models and the development of smart devices such as electric vehicles, AI smartphones, computers, robots, and innovative manufacturing equipment.

The focus on AI turned to regulatory considerations during the discussions on harnessing
advanced technological trends. Suggestions were made to establish a regulatory framework to manage the developments in the sector. Yuan Fang, an NPC deputy from the delegation of east China’s Anhui Province, recommended accelerating legislation in emerging sectors with AI laws and comprehensive regulations on AI’s research, development, and application.

He stated, “With the rapid development of emerging fields such as digital economy and AI big data, there is an urgent need to improve relevant laws and regulations as soon as possible. By doing so, the development of the industry can be regulated, citizens’ rights and interests will be protected, and national and social security could be safeguarded.”

Yuan’s views received support from NPC Deputy Wang Yan, an NPC representing the
delegation of east China’s Shandong Province. She suggested that the “relevant national
departments should take the lead, consider local realities, and use big data computing systems to build multi-dimensional analytical models that combine the development trend of national industry, demand for skilled talents and development scale trend”.

While the discussion on the best regulatory model continued, visiting media professionals
invited to cover “two sessions” had an opportunity to engage directly with deputies on issues
related to China’s advancements in several areas, including robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

NPC Deputy Wu Fengli, Board Chairman and President of Guangdong Topstar Technology
Co., Ltd., emphasized China’s rapid progress in the “AI + robotics” sector. He noted that
China’s technological innovation has reached a globally competitive level, challenging the
dominance of international enterprises. He indicated that Topstar plans to collaborate with
leading domestic large-model companies to develop humanoid intelligent robots. The
enterprise’s core competitiveness lies in its deep integration of AI with robotics, ensuring high efficiency and precision in industrial manufacturing.

Wu acknowledged the growing global discourse on AI ethics while discussing the prospects
for international collaborations in the robotics sector. He reassured the media representatives that Topstar considers all ethical responsibilities and aligns the industry with societal values.

According to reports from Chinese media, this marks the first time discussions about artificial intelligence have appeared on the National Legislative agenda. These discussions emerge as the United States invests billions into its technology sector to keep pace with developments in China. Notably, China’s technological successes have occurred despite the US imposing sanctions that restrict access to computer chip-making equipment, software, and high-bandwidth memory chips necessary for advanced technological development and applications.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi also weighed in on the ‘tech battle’ between the China and the United States during his media briefing. When asked about the impact of the export control sanctions on tech related imports, Wang said there had been “unjustified external suppression” but “when there are blockades, there are breakthroughs”. Wang added that China had made rapid progress on its ambition of becoming a technology leader and was willing to share the results of its innovation with other countries.

Small island nations such as Antigua and Barbuda and other CARICOM member states have limited resources to invest in developing technology research centres comparable to those in China and the United States. They will undoubtedly continue to observe these developments closely while strengthening diplomatic ties to secure scholarship and fellowship opportunities for talented nationals to participate in the ongoing tech revolution.

Petra Williams (PetraTheSpectator) is currently in China as part of a group of media
professionals specially invited to cover China’s ‘Two Sessions,” the annual plenary sessions
of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative
Conference. The sessions are held annually in March at the Great Hall of the People and
last for ten days.