China's embrace of AI: Enthusiasm and challenges

In China, enthusiasm for innovation in artificial intelligence starts at the highest levels. In his remarks to the 19th party congress, Xi Jinping called for China to "promote the deep integration of the internet, big data, and AI with the real economy." His 2018 new year's address saw two books on AI positioned on the bookshelf behind him, another indication of the extent of his interest. China's'rise' in AI – and potential emergence as an "AI superpower" – commands headlines, while the remarks of China's policy and business leaders indicate a keen awareness of continued challenges and shortcomings.[1] Innovation is at the core of Xi's strategy to advance the "China Dream" (中国梦 zhongguo meng) of national rejuvenation.