With its rapid advancements in AI, China is consistently capturing world headlines, not only for its technological progress but also for the profound impact these advancements are having on society and the world. Through the eyes of international experts and researchers, we gain a deeper understanding of China's AI journey, showing its forward-thinking policies, commitment to improving quality of life, and growing influence on the global stage.

AI for common good

China's strategic focus on AI as a key driver of economic and social progress has been a paradigm shifter. The country's policymakers have demonstrated remarkable foresight by identifying AI as a critical area for development and setting a goal to become a global leader in the field by 2030. This vision is backed by substantial investments in research, development, and implementation across various sectors.

Sergey V. Ablameyko, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and visiting professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an, said that, "China has made significant progress in the AI field, especially since 2017 when it adopted a national strategy for AI development. I have seen how China has grown in this area over the past 20 years, and it is now a leader in both practical applications and scientific research. "

However, what China has done goes far beyond this. According to Ashyana-Jasmine Kachra from the London School of Economics and Political Science, "China is not just focused on the proliferation of AI and its innovative use cases; the country has also been silently leading the pack and making its mark on the AI regulatory landscape."

China has implemented strict laws and ethical guidelines for AI development, ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values.

In 2017, China released the Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan to encourage diverse AI methodologies, such as deep learning, knowledge-based reasoning and large-scale modeling. In May 2019, it was followed by the Beijing AI Principles, which set out clear guidelines for AI research and development, advocating respect for privacy, human dignity and human rights. This underscores China's commitment to developing responsible AI and its philosophy of using technology for the greater good.

Profound global influence

China's AI advancements are not confined to within its borders; they are shaping the global landscape of technology and innovation.

Md Monjurul Karim, a young Bangladeshi  researcher majoring in AI at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized how China's rapid progress in AI has influenced his career and research. He noted that China's AI ecosystem, with its high-performance computing infrastructure and top-tier research labs, provides an ideal environment for cutting-edge research.

Breakthroughs like DeepSeek, a large-scale AI model, have inspired new ways of thinking and accelerated innovation. For Karim, AI is not just a tool but a "research companion" that fosters creativity and exploration.

China's focus on innovation is also driving global advancements in AI and computer science. Karim pointed out that China's investments in large-scale AI models and high-performance computing contribute to the broader research community, enabling international collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

One of the most significant contributions of China's AI industry is its commitment to "democratizing access to AI technologies," said Md Altab Hossin, a Bangladeshi expert at the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Chengdu University, adding that DeepSeek exemplifies this ethos. By developing easy-to-use models, tools and platforms, DeepSeek has made AI accessible to users without extensive technical expertise. Its open-source model allows anyone to use it for professional or personal purposes without restrictions.

Just as Ablameyko noted, China's progress is an opportunity for the world, and its development in science is a help, not a threat to the global community.