China makes open-source platform to boost Artificial Intelligence

China's science and technology minister said on Saturday that the government had made an open-source platform to boost the development of artificial intelligence (AI), as part of a plan to make China a world-leader in this field by 2030. He said that offering AI on open-source platforms would help with its scientific development and help it rapidly expand, allowing the creation of a new generation of AI. "Open-source platforms are needed because AI can play a bigger role in development and make it easier for entrepreneurs to have access to resources," Wan Gang said in a press conference to mark a session of the National People's Assembly. The minister said that the technology had been an area of development in China since 1980, and now the country wanted to lead the sector through the national plan – started by President Xi Jinping – which involves multiple ministries in order to apply the technology in all fields. He also highlighted the achievements made in the area in the last few years, such as the development of intelligent vehicles, facial recognition at airports and train stations or some companies developing robots that improve people's' quality of life. Wan said promotion of scientific research and development has been a key Chinese policy, with increased state investment and incentives.