On 5 March 2025 the government work report proposed continuing to advance the AI Plus initiative. As the highest-level annual policy text, the report’s treatment of AI carries a framing significance.
Where the AI Plus deployment lands
The report stresses that digital technology should be better combined with manufacturing advantages and market advantages, and that wide application of large models should be supported. Alongside that, it deploys vigorous development of next-generation intelligent terminals such as intelligent connected new energy vehicles, AI phones and computers and intelligent robots, as well as intelligent manufacturing equipment; wider scaled application of 5G, accelerated innovation in the industrial internet, and optimisation of the national layout of compute resources; and faster improvement of basic data institutions and deeper development and use of data resources.
These items form a complete chain: compute and data are the foundation, large models the middle layer, and intelligent terminals and manufacturing equipment the application outlet.
From technology to terminals
Writing “AI phones and computers” and “intelligent robots” into the report means the policy perspective has moved from models and algorithms to concrete products that consumers and companies can buy. For terminal manufacturers, robot companies and the AI firms supplying them with models and compliance services, this is a clear demand-side signal.
See the opinion on the AI Plus initiative: the wording in the report is continuous with the deployment that followed at State Council level.
The place of basic data institutions
The report places faster improvement of basic data institutions alongside deeper development and use of data resources. The first is rule supply, the second is factor circulation. See our notes on the launch of the national public data resource registry platform: establishing a registration regime is precisely infrastructure for the circulation of data as a factor.
How companies should align
First, translate the report’s wording into product positioning. Intelligent terminals, intelligent manufacturing equipment and similar directions are explicitly named, and the companies concerned can align their external language with the policy framing.
Second, watch local support for compute and data. See our note on the intelligent economy in the 2026 government work report: a central framing is normally followed by local implementing rules.
Third, watch how AI Plus extends into industries. See the AI Plus deployment in consumer applications: implementing documents for consumer, manufacturing, healthcare and transport directions will follow, including the AI Plus manufacturing action plan.
The value of a policy text is that it gathers dispersed market opportunities into a set of directions that can be anticipated.
This article is based on the 2025 government work report and public information and is for reference only; it does not constitute legal advice.