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Artificial intelligence
TechTech Trends

China approves 14 large language models and enterprise applications, as Beijing favours wider AI adoption across industries

  • The new batch includes a number of industry-specific LLMs, compared with the general AI models from previous approvals
  • This reflects how AI development and regulation in mainland China are pushing the technology to boost efficiency in enterprises

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The number of government-approved artificial intelligence large language models and related applications in China currently total more than 40. Image: Shutterstock
Ben Jiangin Beijing
China has approved this year’s first batch of large language models (LLMs) – the technology used to train ChatGPT and similar services – as a growing number of domestic technology companies are helping drive the wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries.
A total of 14 LLMs and enterprise applications were recently given the green light by authorities for commercial use, according to local media reports and company announcements including those from smartphone giant Xiaomi, AI specialist Beijing Fourth Paradigm Technology Co and Beijing-based tech unicorn 01.AI, founded by venture capitalist Lee Kai-fu.

This new batch includes a number of industry-specific LLMs, compared with the general AI models from previous approvals, reflecting how AI development and regulation in mainland China are pushing the technology to boost efficiency in enterprises.

The latest approvals come after an initial number of generative AI services were allowed for release to the public last August. A month earlier, a new government body called the China Electronic Standardisation Institute was set up to implement a national standard for LLMs.
Sample image of code in an artificial intelligence large language model. Photo: Shutterstock
Sample image of code in an artificial intelligence large language model. Photo: Shutterstock
Start-up Frontis.AI, which was founded in 2021 by former JD.com senior vice-president Zhou Bowen, was granted approvals in January for its “Pinshang” and “Moxiaoxian” LLMs, which offer consumer product companies with industry insights as well as product and marketing innovation support.
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