China to Accelerate AI + Software Action Plan
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced plans to accelerate the release of an "Artificial Intelligence + Software" action plan. Tao Qing, spokesperson for the MIIT and director of the Bureau of Operation Monitoring and Coordination, stated this during a press conference on July 20th, which reviewed the development of the industrial and information technology sectors in the first half of 2026. Software is identified as the core of new-generation information technology, a crucial foundation for the digital economy, and a key pillar for building a strong manufacturing sector, a powerful cyberspace, and a digital China. The plan aims to enhance the supply of critical software products and services. It will drive the intelligent transformation of software development, upgrade software products and services with intelligence, and foster new business models centered on intelligent agents. Furthermore, the MIIT intends to bolster the capabilities of open-source infrastructure in areas such as project incubation, supply chain security governance, exploration of emerging applications, and international market expansion. The ministry also seeks to accelerate the growth of national-level AI open-source communities, positioning them as hubs for innovation in emerging technologies and vital platforms for the implementation of software and hardware products.
The MIIT's initiative to integrate artificial intelligence with software development signals a strategic push to bolster China's digital economy and technological self-reliance. By focusing on intelligent transformation and the cultivation of AI open-source communities, the government aims to foster innovation and enhance the security and competitiveness of its software industry. This policy direction reflects a broader global trend where AI is increasingly viewed as a foundational technology for economic growth and national security. The emphasis on open-source infrastructure suggests a strategy to democratize AI development while also asserting control over critical technological supply chains. Over the next decade, the success of this plan will likely hinge on balancing open innovation with national strategic interests, and on fostering a domestic ecosystem capable of competing on the global stage.
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