China is fully embracing artificial intelligence, incorporating it into various aspects such as educational tools and humanoid robots used in factories. In a heartwarming scene at a Beijing apartment, eight-year-old Timmy was engrossed in a game of chess against a robot powered by AI. Timmy viewed the robot not just as a machine, but as a companion or teacher, showcasing the evolving relationship between humans and AI.
This integration of AI is part of China’s ambitious plan to establish itself as a leading tech powerhouse by 2030. The unveiling of DeepSeek, a groundbreaking Chinese chatbot, was just the beginning of this technological revolution. With significant investments pouring into AI ventures, the country is fostering a competitive environment for innovation. Schools in Beijing are set to introduce AI courses, while universities are expanding their AI-related programs to meet the growing demand.
Yan Xue, Timmy’s mother, emphasized the inevitability of coexisting with AI and encouraged early exposure for children. As China ramps up its AI efforts, President Xi Jinping has made substantial commitments to propel the country to the forefront of advanced technology. Despite economic challenges and trade tensions with the US, China remains resolute in its AI ambitions, evident in the substantial funding allocated to drive AI development.
Amidst global skepticism, Chinese companies like SenseRobot have defied expectations by creating advanced AI solutions that rival those from the West. The success of DeepSeek and other AI innovations has not only surprised Silicon Valley but also underscored China’s rapid progress in the field. As the world witnesses this technological race between giants, it becomes clear that China is positioned to make significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence.
“Every time I mention that I am from China,” Mr. Tang said with a smile, “there is always a moment of silence.” His company has successfully sold over 100,000 robots and secured a contract with a major US supermarket chain, Costco. Customers abroad are often surprised to learn that the robots are made in China, shared Tommy Tang [BBC/ Xiqing Wang].
One of the key factors contributing to China’s engineering success is its young workforce. In 2020, more than 3.5 million students in China graduated with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), surpassing any other country in the world. Beijing is determined to capitalize on this talent pool. “Developing education, science, and talent is a shared responsibility,” Xi emphasized to party leaders recently.
Since China began opening its economy to the world in the late 1970s, the country has focused on accumulating talent and technology, according to Abbott Lyu, vice-president of Whalesbot in Shanghai, a company specializing in AI toys. “In the era of AI, we have a large number of hardworking engineers,” Lyu explained.
In a demonstration, a dinosaur made of colorful bricks comes to life, controlled by a seven-year-old using code on a smartphone. The company is creating toys to teach children as young as three how to code, with each set including a code booklet. These toys start at around $40.
Mr. Lyu believes that China excels in AI education and smart hardware compared to other countries. The success of DeepSeek has not only elevated its CEO Liang Wenfeng to national hero status but also significantly promoted China’s AI industry.
At an AI fair in Shanghai, Chinese firms showcased their latest advancements, including search and rescue robots and a dog-like robot performing backflips. Two teams of humanoid robots competed in a football game, captivating the audience.
Following the success of DeepSeek, developers in China are excited about the growing recognition of their capabilities. However, concerns arise about how AI allows the Chinese government to access user data. With a large user base of over a billion mobile phone users, Beijing possesses a significant advantage in data collection compared to the West.
While some question the access Chinese apps may provide to the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese firms maintain that they prioritize data security and privacy.
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, claims that laws are in place to safeguard private companies and personal data. However, concerns over the possibility of US user data on TikTok being accessed by the Chinese government led to the decision by Washington to ban the popular app. This nexus of privacy issues and national security challenges is also affecting Deepseek. South Korea has halted new downloads of DeepSeek, while Taiwan and Australia have prohibited the app on government devices. Chinese companies, including DeepSeek, are cognizant of these sensitivities, with Mr. Tang emphasizing that privacy is a non-negotiable principle for his company. Despite this, the challenge remains for Beijing to assert itself as a global AI leader amidst escalating privacy concerns. The rapid ascent of DeepSeek has provoked criticism in the West; however, Chinese AI firms remain undeterred, banking on innovative solutions to gain a competitive edge. For instance, DeepSeek’s ability to rival ChatGPT at a fraction of the cost has astounded the AI industry. By leveraging AI in engineering and manufacturing processes, DeepSeek has significantly reduced production costs, exemplifying the integration of artificial engineering into manufacturing. This transformative approach could have vast implications as China scales up its AI adoption, particularly in sectors like robotics and eldercare. President Xi Jinping’s strategic focus on achieving technological self-reliance underscores China’s ambition to lead in advanced technologies, such as AI and robotics. Despite facing challenges and warnings against premature AI triumphalism, China is steadfast in its pursuit of technological advancement, positioning itself for long-term success in the global technology race.
