On 29 June 2026 Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting, which heard a report on AI development and made a series of targeted deployments. This was the first time a State Council executive meeting heard a dedicated report on AI development, making the “development and governance in tandem” framework clearer.
The main lines of deployment
From public reporting, the deployment splits into “development” and “governance” lines.
On development, the meeting called for: grasping the AI evolution trend and improving supporting policies and the governance system; accelerating AI breakthroughs and key technology R&D and ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster construction; strengthening high-quality data supply; strengthening talent and capital factor guarantees and supporting enterprises in basic research and frontier exploration; and deepening the “AI Plus” initiative, leveraging China’s complete industrial system and rich application scenarios to promote the rapid scale commercialisation of smart products and services.
On governance, the meeting stressed: safeguarding the AI security baseline and improving rules on technology ethics and testing-certification, building a governance system suited to AI development.
What “development and governance in tandem” means
Policy statements on AI have often swung between “encouraging innovation” and “preventing risk”. This meeting placed both in the same deployment, signalling that development is the goal and governance the safeguard — not a trade-off.
The effect on companies is practical. On one hand, policy support is increasing — computing clusters, data supply, factor guarantees and scenario opening are clear positives. On the other, governance requirements are being refined — technology ethics and testing-certification are named, meaning institutional supply on safety and compliance will continue to densify.
Several specific formulations worth noting
First, “ultra-large-scale intelligent computing clusters”. Computing power is AI infrastructure; the meeting placed it alongside key technology R&D, showing cluster construction remains a policy priority.
Second, “strengthening high-quality data supply”. This is consistent with the National Data Administration’s parallel deployment on industrial high-quality datasets.
Third, “rules on technology ethics and testing-certification”. Testing and certification are explicitly mentioned, pointing to an assessment, certification and access system for AI products. For companies building models and terminals, this means more compliance nodes ahead.
Fourth, “promoting the rapid scale commercialisation of smart products and services”. This aligns with the “AI Plus” action plans and relates directly to the commercialisation path companies care about.
Three pointers for companies
First, read policy upside and compliance requirements together. Factor guarantees and scenario opening are opportunities; technology ethics and testing-certification are costs. Both should enter planning together.
Second, engage with governance institutions early. The testing and certification system is still developing; companies can watch the standards process and reserve time and budget for certification.
Third, make safety governance a capability rather than a burden. The requirement to safeguard the security baseline will ultimately land on companies’ governance mechanisms. For support on safety governance mechanisms, data compliance and product certification preparation, see our Data Compliance and Algorithm Filing services.
This article is based on public information on the State Council executive meeting published by gov.cn on 29 June 2026. It is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.