BEIJING, March 7 – Leaders from China’s economically vital Jiangsu province unveiled ambitious strategies to boost artificial intelligence development and modernize industrial operations Saturday, responding to President Xi Jinping’s directive for the region to spearhead technological innovation.
As China’s second-largest provincial economy and a critical manufacturing hub for exports, Jiangsu plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic landscape.
The province produced approximately 14 trillion yuan ($2 trillion) in economic output during 2025, creating an economy comparable to nations like Spain and serving as a cornerstone of Beijing’s efforts to maintain growth and industrial strength while facing mounting geopolitical pressures from Western countries.
Provincial Governor Liu Xiaotao, leading Jiangsu’s delegation at China’s National People’s Congress, announced Saturday that the region hosts over 1,500 companies focused on artificial intelligence and holds the nation’s second-highest computing power ranking, featuring 66 major AI systems and 283 algorithms officially registered with government regulators.
Transportation official Wu Yonghong revealed plans to expand “AI plus” transportation programs, creating approximately 50 demonstration projects that utilize artificial intelligence to enhance infrastructure oversight and shipping operations.
Yangzhou Mayor Zheng Haitao reported that artificial intelligence applications are already transforming local manufacturing, with 186 automated production systems established across industries including auto parts and environmental technology sectors.
Zheng explained that Yangzhou is implementing financial incentives, such as computing cost assistance and specialized talent recruitment programs, designed to draw businesses and establish a comprehensive artificial intelligence network.
President Xi, who serves as a representative in the Jiangsu delegation and frequently participates in their discussions, addressed provincial legislators Thursday, calling on the region to pioneer the nation’s development of “new quality productive forces” – Beijing’s terminology for technology-based economic advancement.
Xi’s remarks gained additional emphasis Thursday through China’s 15th five-year development strategy, which referenced artificial intelligence more than 50 times and featured a comprehensive “AI plus” framework designed to integrate the technology throughout Chinese economic and social systems.
China’s National People’s Congress brings together approximately 3,000 representatives from provincial and regional groups, including government officials, business leaders, scholars, and laborers, who debate and approve laws and policy directions during the yearly legislative gathering in Beijing.
