As part of its effort to cultivate new quality productive forces, China issued a guideline on implementing its “AI Plus” initiative. The guideline, the country’s most comprehensive blueprint yet for developing artificial intelligence technology, seeks to bolster the application of AI in science and technology, industrial development, consumption upgrades, people’s well-being, governance and global cooperation.
By 2027, China aims to achieve significant progress in the deep integration of AI in these six key areas, with the penetration rate of new-generation intelligent terminals and AI agents expected to surpass 70 percent. The core industries of the intelligent economy will see rapid growth, and the role of AI in public governance will be significantly enhanced. By 2030, AI will empower China’s high-quality development across all fronts, with the penetration rate of next-generation smart terminals and AI agents exceeding 90 percent, highlighting that the intelligent economy will become a significant growth driver for China’s economy. By 2035, China will enter a new stage of intelligent economy and intelligence society comprehensively, providing strong support for realizing socialist modernization, according to the guideline.
As with climate change and financial stability, AI is a global public good, one that demands collective stewardship. The Chinese plan offers a compelling alternative to the fragmented, security-heavy, and often unilateral approaches gaining traction in certain parts of the world. It reframes the AI governance conversation toward sustainable development, fairness, and shared benefits.
At its core, “AI Plus” is about more than just technological advancement: It is about applying AI in practical, cross-sectoral ways to reshape manufacturing, finance, healthcare, education, urban management, and even governance. By embedding AI into both traditional industries and emerging sectors, China aims to unleash new waves of growth while strengthening competitiveness in the international arena. The initiative underscores the importance of ethical use, data security, and talent development, signaling that China intends not only to lead in AI tech but also in building comprehensive ecosystems around it. It also frames AI as public infrastructure, with inclusive access and affordable computing power for all. While the United States relies on private giants to push frontier models and Europe focuses on regulation, China is executing a State-aligned, milestone-driven strategy toward 100 percent AI integration.
By embracing AI as a complement rather than a competitor, we can unlock new industries, boost productivity. This is part of a bigger picture that involves the Chinese mainland becoming a world AI leader by 2030, which is a feasible goal with Hong Kong’s contribution
This seems consistent with China’s intention to become a world leader in the AI industry by 2030. Back in October 2017, the State Council designated AI as a national priority, stating its ambition to position AI as a core driver of economic transformation by 2025 and then become the world’s premier AI innovation center by 2030.
China’s AI market is projected to reach $45.45 billion this year, and to expand at an annual growth rate of 27.78 percent through 2030, resulting in a market size of $154.8 billion by then. The largest AI market currently is in the US ($66.21 billion in 2025).
It’s safe to project that China can become an AI world leader by 2030, given the number of its AI companies, people working in the sector, the advanced AI infrastructure, and government supportive policies.
While Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have already made headlines for their strong AI ecosystems, Hong Kong has a role to play in this national endeavor. The city’s financial sector, world-class universities, international orientation, and position within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area make it well suited to contribute to the success of “AI Plus”. As one of the world’s leading financial hubs, Hong Kong provides crucial access to capital markets that can fuel the growth of AI startups and established firms alike. By creating financial instruments tailored to AI development, promoting sustainable investment, and fostering public-private partnerships, Hong Kong can provide the financial backbone necessary to accelerate innovation. Its mature legal system, robust IP protection regime, and regulatory transparency reinforce the city’s attractiveness as a base for AI ventures that seek both credibility and international connectivity.
The city hosts five universities ranked in the global top 100 in the QS rankings, including the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, both of which are producing cutting-edge AI research and cultivating top-tier talent. Special administrative region government support is also accelerating.
If China can indeed become an AI world leader by 2030, the SAR can enormously benefit from the country’s strong AI industry, while the mainland can also benefit from the city’s contribution. For example, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said last year that the city can contribute to the country’s AI tech development by providing talent and funding.
To maximize its contribution to the “AI Plus”, Hong Kong should pursue several policy directions. Expanding dedicated funding for AI research and commercialization will provide startups with the resources they need to thrive. Incentivizing university-industry collaborations can accelerate the transformation of research into market-ready solutions. Enhancing mobility of talent within the Greater Bay Area will ensure that expertise circulates effectively across borders. Hosting global AI conferences and promoting international partnerships can strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for AI dialogue. Finally, establishing clear ethical frameworks and piloting AI adoption in public services will build both trust and momentum for broader deployment.
History reminds us that innovation often brings more opportunities than losses, if managed wisely. AI is no exception. For Hong Kong, the key lies in preparation, adaptability, and investment in people. By embracing AI as a complement rather than a competitor, we can unlock new industries, boost productivity. This is part of a bigger picture that involves the Chinese mainland becoming a world AI leader by 2030, which is a feasible goal with Hong Kong’s contribution.
The author is a fintech adviser, a researcher and a former business analyst for a Hong Kong publicly listed company.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
