China’s tech leaders urge faster AI, humanoid robot adoption in ‘two sessions’ proposals

China’s tech leaders, including Xiaomi’s Lei Jun, 360 Security Technology’s Zhou Hongyi and Xpeng’s He Xiaopeng, have put forward policy proposals ahead of the “two sessions”, as Beijing seeks to accelerate development in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

The executives aim to promote the industrial use of humanoid robots, speed up the deployment of AI agents and expand computing infrastructure – areas increasingly viewed as key battlegrounds in the global technology race.

The focus of the “two sessions” – the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People’s Congress (NPC) – will be on the 15th five-year plan from 2026 to 2030, which is expected to prioritise building China’s technological capabilities.

Lei, the founder and chairman of Xiaomi and a deputy to the 14th NPC from Beijing, on Wednesday unveiled the proposals through the group’s official social media account, calling for faster deployment of humanoid robots in smart manufacturing. He highlighted their potential for large-scale “industrial value”, while acknowledging challenges, including performance instability and high production costs.

Lei also called for greater funding to support long-term technological innovation, urging philanthropic foundations to help finance research and development programmes. In the electric-vehicle (EV) sector – where Xiaomi is a relatively new entrant – he called for faster development of intelligent vehicle standards, adjustments to driving test systems and stronger talent training.

Separately, Lei suggested improving the environment for developing “industrial tourism” to showcase China’s manufacturing prowess and cultivate the youth’s interest in the field.