AI Photo: VCG

With more than 3,000 cutting-edge exhibits, including more than 40 large-language models (LLMs), more than 50 artificial intelligence (AI) terminal products, 60 intelligent robots, and more than 100 significant new products making their global or China debut, the 2025 World AI Conference (WAIC) has set a new record for its exhibition scale, according to China National Radio.

The event showcases the immense potential of AI applications and advancements across various sectors, conveying a core message: only when technology is deeply integrated into manufacturing processes, and embedded in daily life and supply chains can it truly be transformed into real productivity. 

AI development in some countries has often been characterized by sophisticated algorithm competitions held in laboratories and rampant speculation in capital markets. However, China has carved out a unique path in this landscape. The exhibits at the WAIC tell a compelling story of technological application in China. These displays are not merely laboratory prototypes; they are practical tools that have already been integrated into factory workflows and are poised to enhance everyday life in households. 

This remarkable ability to seamlessly embed advanced technology into various industries underpins the core competitiveness of China's AI sector. By prioritizing real-world applications and fostering innovation that directly addresses societal needs, China is not only advancing its technological capabilities but also setting an example of how AI can be effectively utilized.

The recent remarks by Xie Shaofeng, chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, underscore this trajectory. In the first half of this year, the enabling role of AI continued to strengthen. The LLMs cultivated and open-sourced in China have accelerated their application in industries such as electronics, raw materials, and consumer goods, giving rise to a series of new models and business formats. More than 100 types of AI-powered terminal products, including phones, personal computers, and glasses, have emerged, becoming new economic growth points, Xie said at a press conference in July.

China's AI progress stems from its unique development path and advantages, which primarily lie in the deep integration of industry and technology. China places AI within the framework of intelligent manufacturing, creating a virtuous cycle where manufacturing supports AI and AI feeds back into manufacturing.

Supporting this integration is China's unparalleled manufacturing scale and the world's most complete industrial chain. The all-encompassing industrial ecosystem from raw materials to end products provides AI with a vast, diverse, and multi-level range of application scenarios. 

More crucially, China has a "pragmatism" gene in its AI development. It always focuses on solving practical problems, emphasizing technology implementation and deep integration with manufacturing to serve real-world economic and social development needs. This "down-to-earth" orientation is China's real competitive edge in AI development.

This practical and application-oriented model stands in stark contrast to the AI strategy of the US. Last week, Washington unveiled its AI action plan, which, based on the disclosed content, is more focused on maintaining US technological leadership and hegemony, rather than effectively solving problems and better serving economic and social development. Moreover, due to the problem of manufacturing hollowing-out in the US, many advanced AI technologies are confined to labs. As a result, many cutting-edge technologies struggle to generate significant economic value. 

Global AI development is at a critical turning point. While the advancement of technology itself is fundamental, a more important criterion is whether technology can create real value. China's AI development experience clearly shows that technological innovation cannot be isolated from application and industries. By relying on its strong manufacturing foundation and rich application scenarios, China is efficiently converting the technological potential of AI into real productivity improvements and economic growth momentum.