China Unveils 17 AI Measures to Boost Consumer Goods and Services
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 18
China Unveils 17 AI Measures to Boost Consumer Goods and Services
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 18
Summary
China's commerce ministry rolled out 17 measures to expand AI use across the consumption sector, targeting both products and services nationwide.
For goods, the plan aims to shift consumer electronics from basic functions to intelligent devices and cultivate a new market for humanoid robots.
For services, the measures respond to AI's fast spread from retail into public and lifestyle services, broadening its commercial use.
Commerce ministry adviser Lin Jian said AI could ease service-consumption bottlenecks by lowering the impact of high labor costs and weak standardization.
Can China's AI plan boost consumption if it automates the jobs of the consumers it aims to serve?
As humanoid robots enter the workforce, can Beijing's new policies prevent a wave of mass unemployment?
With its low-cost AI and vast data centers, is China on track to win the global technology race?
China’s 17-Measure AI Initiative: Driving Domestic Consumption, Innovation, and Global Competitiveness in 2026
Overview
On June 20, 2026, China launched a major AI initiative with 17 measures to deeply integrate artificial intelligence into consumer goods and services. This move aims to boost domestic consumption and drive innovation in the digital economy, responding to recent economic challenges and growing global competition in AI. Building on previous national programs and digital infrastructure, the initiative focuses on making AI products more accessible, supporting new technologies like smart devices and robotics, and encouraging local subsidies. By connecting economic needs with long-term digital strategy, China seeks to strengthen its position in the global AI race.