Gasgoo Munich- "In 2025, Chinese companies rolled out more than 300 humanoid robot models—over half the global total." On March 5, speaking at the "Ministers' Passage" during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, Li Lecheng, minister of industry and information technology, used those figures to illustrate the explosive growth of China’s artificial intelligence sector.
Li pointed out that artificial intelligence is shifting from a "key variable" to a "powerful engine" of high-quality economic development.
Data he revealed shows that in 2025, the scale of China's core AI industry reached 1.2 trillion yuan, with the number of related firms exceeding 6,200. He summarized the current industry landscape with "three highlights":
First, China's large models are going global. In 2025, open-source large models released by Chinese companies topped the world in downloads, significantly lowering the barriers and costs of using AI. Domestic open-source models are now leading the global open-source ecosystem.
Second, AI is deeply integrating into the manufacturing chain. By the end of 2025, more than 30% of industrial enterprises above designated size had adopted AI capabilities.
Third, smart terminals are proliferating. AI glasses, AI phones, and AI computers have become consumer favorites, with hit products constantly emerging. New humanoid robots, in particular, accounted for "more than half of the global total."
Image Source: Unitree Robotics
Addressing the viral popularity of robots performing everything from the "Yangge" dance to skits on the Spring Festival Gala stage, Li noted that the performances showcased more than just talent. They demonstrated the "Chinese Kung Fu" of the nation's AI sector as it moves from technological breakthroughs to real-world application—a striking display of industrial innovation and a vivid introduction of "new quality productive forces" to the public eye.
Looking ahead, Li said the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will leverage China's complete industrial chain and concentration of innovative talent to drive the iteration of products like AI computers and smart home devices. At the same time, it will accelerate technical breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces, autonomous driving, and humanoid robots—aiming to "ensure more smart products meet the needs of various industries."
On the application front, Li made one thing clear: "AI plus manufacturing is a must-answer, not a multiple-choice question." In 2026, the ministry will vigorously promote the deep integration of AI and manufacturing, identifying high-value scenarios and cultivating specialized intelligent agents. The goal is to unlock potential in traditional industries while stimulating vitality in emerging ones.
Also on the same day, Yin Hejun, minister of science and technology, emphasized that the "15th Five-Year Plan" period is a critical window for achieving high-level technological self-reliance. He pledged to strengthen the systematic layout of frontier fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology, using technological innovation to drive the development of new quality productive forces.
