AI focus shifts to application and regulation
Author: Cao Yin
China’s generative AI landscape has rapidly matured, with over 700 million users as of June and more than 10,700 companies operating across AI-related fields, prompting a policy shift from purely fostering technological breakthroughs to balancing development with governance. According to a report from China’s Internet Network Information Center, roughly 20 AI regulations have been issued since June 2025, with multiple ministries developing sector-specific guidelines covering areas from agriculture to healthcare. Experts quoted in the report emphasize that technological advancement and regulatory oversight are complementary rather than conflicting goals — as AI moves from the lab into widespread everyday use, managing risks like deepfakes, ethical concerns, and harm to minors has become just as pressing as driving innovation, and calls are growing for clearer frameworks that define the responsibilities of developers, operators, and users alike.