Beijing schools will introduce at least eight hours of AI education per year starting September 1, aiming to strengthen China’s leadership in AI innovation. Courses may be standalone or integrated into IT and science curriculums. This aligns with government plans to promote AI applications and tackle challenges like an aging population and declining workforce. China's AI advancements, led by companies like DeepSeek, highlight its push for technological growth and global competitiveness.
Starting this fall, schools in Beijing will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) courses for primary and secondary students to bolster China's ambition to lead the AI sector. The Beijing Municipal Education Commission announced that beginning September 1, schools in the capital will provide at least eight hours of AI instruction per academic year.
The new AI courses can either be offered as standalone classes or integrated into existing subjects like information technology and science, according to the commission. This initiative aligns with China's longstanding goal of becoming a global trailblazer in AI innovation.
Earlier this year, China's AI capabilities gained significant attention when startup DeepSeek unveiled a model that it claimed could rival those of major U.S. companies while requiring fewer resources. This development underscores China's determination to establish itself as a leader in the AI domain.
The educational push follows a government pledge at the National People's Congress to promote the application of large-scale AI models, as well as the development of next-generation intelligent devices and manufacturing technologies. Education Minister Huai Jinpeng described AI as a transformative force, stating that it offers significant opportunities for education. On the sidelines of the annual legislative session, he revealed plans for a white paper on AI education to be released later this year.
Beyond education, China is also leveraging AI and big data to address its aging population and declining workforce. Civil Affairs Minister Lu Zhiyuan highlighted the importance of integrating AI into social services. "We will accelerate the development and application of new technologies and products such as big data and artificial intelligence in the fields of social assistance, elderly care services, and services for the disabled," he said during the "Two Sessions" political gathering. According to Lu, this will make such services "more convenient, more accessible, and more standardized."
China's population, which declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, includes over 310 million people aged 60 and above. With a shrinking workforce, the government is increasingly turning to technological advancements to fuel economic growth.
The rise of DeepSeek's AI model has further propelled this technological drive. Since the privately owned company released the latest version of its chatbot in January, local governments have been quick to integrate the model into their operations. Despite U.S. restrictions on advanced AI chip sales to Chinese firms, DeepSeek's cost-effective model has outperformed many Western competitors.
In a rare gathering with private-sector leaders last month, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of the AI sector, encouraging technology companies to "show their talents." Among the attendees was DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng, along with representatives from leading firms like Tencent.
China's proactive approach to AI education and development reflects its strategic vision for becoming a global leader in the field while addressing domestic challenges through innovative solutions.
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