In a significant move to reshape its education system, China is set to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into every facet of teaching, from textbooks to curricula. Announced in an official paper on Wednesday, this ambitious plan targets all educational levels, from primary schools to universities, as part of a broader push to foster innovation and identify new growth engines for the world’s second-largest economy.

AI’s role in this transformation, according to China’s Ministry of Education, is to enhance the core competencies of both teachers and students. These “basic abilities” include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, all essential in cultivating the next generation of innovators. In turn, the Ministry expects AI to elevate classroom experiences, making them more interactive and challenging, aligning education with the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

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This initiative builds on the momentum sparked by the launch of AI-focused courses at Chinese universities. Following the success of DeepSeek—a startup that drew international attention with its affordable, competitive large-language model in January—China has expanded its educational offerings in artificial intelligence, further cementing the nation’s commitment to tech-driven innovation.

January also saw China unveil its national action plan to become a “strong-education nation” by 2035, with AI positioned as a key driver of this ambitious goal. As China continues to position itself at the forefront of global technological advancements, its education sector will play a pivotal role in shaping the talents needed for tomorrow’s economy.