China AI ecosystem development is gaining momentum as the country nears a $83.45 billion industry valuation.
This massive growth reflects more than just economic figures. It represents a complete ecosystem of talent, infrastructure, and government support. As of April 2025, China’s core AI industry reached nearly 600 billion yuan. This was confirmed by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), showcasing China’s strong position in the global AI race.
At the recent China-SCO Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Forum in Tianjin, NDRC official Huang Ru laid out the progress. He revealed that China has filed more than 1.5 million AI-related patents. This accounts for nearly 40% of all global applications. Such figures show how deeply AI is rooted in China’s innovation strategy.
AI patent surge powers China’s digital transformation
The China AI ecosystem development is not just broad—it’s also specialized. Over 400 “little giant” firms have been cultivated. These are small and medium-sized enterprises focused on cutting-edge AI niches. Among them is DeepSeek, an emerging leader in advanced AI models and applications.
These firms don’t just serve Chinese markets. Their AI tools, systems, and frameworks are influencing global tech landscapes. These companies are lean, focused, and agile—perfect for AI’s fast-changing environment. The country has positioned itself as a hotbed for next-gen AI talent and experimentation.
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The SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) forum played a crucial role in spotlighting the geopolitical scope of AI. As one of the world’s largest regional bodies by area and population, the SCO offers a rich environment for AI experimentation. China is leveraging this platform to deepen regional cooperation and apply AI in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Huang emphasized that the goal is not just to lead in AI, but to share that leadership. With SCO partners, China wants to bridge the global digital divide. This includes promoting inclusive tech that reaches underserved communities while fostering economic and social development across member nations.
SCO and China combine forces for an inclusive AI future
China’s AI ecosystem development represents a powerful combination of scale, innovation, and cooperation. With government support, regional partnerships, and a rising force of AI startups, China’s approach could become a model for the world. The next frontier might not be about who leads in AI—but how they use it to connect the world.