The future is AI and humanoid robots, China’s industry minister says, in hi-tech research rivalry with US

More research needed in areas such as artificial intelligence to catch next wave of industrialisation, industry minister says

The country’s industrial economy will also grow this year, he says

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Humanoid robots are a key symbol of a future new round of technological revolution, China’s industry minister says. Photo: Simon Song

Published: 6:00pm, 4 Nov 2023

China will foster “emerging and future industries” to drive growth, top industry and development officials said, as Beijing looks for new long-term economic engines and a firmer footing in its hi-tech rivalry with the United States.

In an interview with state broadcaster CCTV published on Saturday, Industry and Information Technology Minister Jin Zhuanglong called for more research in “future industries” such as artificial intelligence.

Jin, a top aerospace specialist, said AI could empower a new wave of industrialisation, with potential applications in industry, manufacturing and medicine.

“Humanoid robots and the metaverse are also key symbols of a future new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation,” he said.

“[The ministry] supports local governments in implementing pilot projects and formulating industrial policies.”

With declines in old sources of growth such as property, China is looking for new ways to expand the economy and counter Western efforts to constrain its hi-tech advancement.