China’s AI Ambitions Are Accelerating Innovation—and Raising Questions About Jobs and Openness

Research suggests there is relatively little public opposition to artificial intelligence and its widespread use in China compared with many other countries. However, those findings are difficult to assess in a country where heavy censorship can limit public debate.

China Sees AI as a Response to an Aging Workforce

The Chinese government has made clear that it views AI as a potential solution to the country’s aging workforce. As a result, manufacturers and other industries are rapidly automating production.

That shift has also raised concerns about job losses—anxiety that is difficult to measure accurately.

A Large Graduate Population Is Fueling AI Development

China produces about 5 million science and engineering graduates each year, compared with approximately 500,000 in the United States. As more companies remain in China, the country is also developing a growing ecosystem for technology and AI innovation.

Dan Longhao, 27, an AI developer at a major technology company, said Chinese campuses are becoming more open. From his base in Shanghai, he can communicate with researchers around the world.

“I’ve seen research combining AI and fusion, AI and astrophysics, AI and new materials, AI and new drug development. I think we’re entering a good era.”

Researchers Say China Still Needs More Openness

Despite the country’s rapid progress in AI, some researchers argue that China continues to value adaptation over challenging established ideas.

“It’s not as open as I would like,” said Liu Jun, a professor at Tsinghua University’s School of Statistics and Data Science. Liu has also taught at Harvard University and Stanford University.

“I continue to encourage students here to ask more questions and try more, but that’s hard to change. I think it’s partly the culture and partly the system.”