Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for greater “self-reliance and self-strengthening” in artificial intelligence development, urging a nationwide push to narrow the gap with the United States in this critical tech race.

Speaking at a Politburo study session in April, Jinping emphasized the need to “comprehensively advance technological innovation, industrial development, and AI-driven applications,” according to state media outlet Xinhua.

He highlighted that China should leverage its “new whole-of-nation system” to accelerate AI progress, with policy support in areas such as procurement, IP rights, research, and talent development.

Acknowledging upcoming challenges, Xi stressed the need to strengthen basic research and master core technologies such as high-end chips and foundational software to build an “independent, controllable, and collaborative” AI ecosystem.

He also called for faster progress on creating AI regulations, risk warning systems, and emergency protocols to ensure the technology develops safely and responsibly.