CHINESE AI
China is more optimistic about AI than the West
69% of Chinese citizens think AI’s benefits outweigh the risks. Only 35% of Americans agree.
And that optimism is by design.
China has spent the past few years making AI feel less like science fiction and more like everyday tools. Xi Jinping’s mission to “prioritize practical application” has led to massive public confidence.
Plus, their AI rollout got a few party favors from Big Tech. Which certainly doesn’t hurt.
Beijing Hype Machine
Most major Chinese AI models are free to use
Top tech companies have gifted cars & money to drive adoption
AI already shows up in daily life, from driverless taxis to medical chatbots
And those details matter. When people frequently use AI, it stops feeling like an existential threat and starts feeling like a regular Tuesday.
Hard Launch
There’s just one catch to all this optimism, it’s happening in a system that’s heavily invested in the outcome.
Beijing’s AI+ plan aims to integrate AI in 70% of society by 2027, then 90% by 2030. At the same time, stories about autonomous-car crashes have been censored, while concerns around job loss have been shrugged off by the state.
Even still, Xi has ordered companies to implement guardrails so AI doesn’t “spiral out of control.”
So, yes, China’s AI boom runs on real enthusiasm. But also caution, control, and a well-coordinated rollout.
Gemini, make me an image of a glass half-full. – TL