Chinese PM Calls AI An Important Driving Machine For New Productive Workers

Chinese Prime Minister, Li Qiang, called artificial intelligence (AI) an important driving engine for "new productive power." (photo: x @Maytechummia)

JAKARTA - Chinese Prime Minister, Li Qiang, called artificial intelligence (AI) an important driving engine for "new productive power." This statement was first reported by state television CCTV on Wednesday, March 13.

Li Qiang said China would increase computing capabilities and encourage breakthroughs in data algorithms and utilization.

"The new productive expert" is a term sparked by President Xi Jinping in September 2023 when he stressed the need for a new model for innovation-based economic development in advanced sectors.

In addition, Li Qiang also visited Baidu's Beijing office, the self-driving vehicle demonstration zone in the capital, as well as Naura Technology, according to CCTV reports.

So far, China has been left behind in the field of artificial intelligence when compared to the US. The causes include the US has access to large and high-quality data sets collected from sources such as technology companies, hospitals, and government agencies. Meanwhile, China has stricter privacy rules and access to fragmented data, thus hampering AI development.