Amid fierce global competition, China launches national plan to boost AI education

AdvertisementArtificial intelligenceTechPolicyAmid fierce global competition, China launches national plan to boost AI educationBuilding nationwide artificial intelligence infrastructure is a central part of the plan 2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenCarol Yangin BeijingPublished: 10:57am, 13 Apr 2026China has launched a national action plan to embed AI across its education system, in a strategic push to future-proof its workforce amid intensifying global competition in advanced technologies. The “AI+ Education” action plan, unveiled by the Ministry of Education and four other ministerial-level bodies, mandates the integration of artificial intelligence at every stage of learning – from primary schools to lifelong education. The initiative builds on China’s long-term education plan to the year 2035, released in January last year, which identified AI as a crucial engine of educational reform to meet the needs of the digital economy and future industries.AdvertisementEducation officials framed the plan, which was released on Friday, as a direct response to fierce global competition, with major economies including the United States, the European Union and Singapore having launched programmes to boost investment in AI-related education and training. Beijing’s initiative aims to raise AI literacy nationwide as a crucial pillar of future economic competitiveness.“By redefining the skills needed for the modern era, AI is forcing a systemic and fundamental overhaul of education,” they said. AdvertisementBuilding nationwide AI infrastructure is a central part of the plan. Instead of relying on fragmented local projects, the central government said it would consolidate computing power platforms and data networks into a unified service – a centralised approach designed to ensure efficiency. AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x