China launches national plan to bring AI into education system

Children/ File: South China Morning Post

According to South China Morning Post China has introduced a nationwide plan to integrate artificial intelligence into its education system, aiming to prepare its workforce for the future and strengthen its position in global technology competition.

The new “AI + Education” programme, announced by the Ministry of Education together with four other government bodies, requires the use of AI at all levels of learning, from primary school to adult and lifelong education.

This strategy follows China’s long-term education blueprint for 2035, published last year, which described AI as an important force for changing education and supporting the digital economy.

Officials said the programme is also a response to increasing international competition, as countries and regions such as the United States, the European Union, and Singapore have already launched their own AI education and training projects. China’s goal is to improve AI knowledge across the country and make it a key advantage for economic growth.

They explained that AI is changing the skills people need today, making deep reforms in education necessary.

An important part of the plan is creating a national AI infrastructure. Rather than separate local systems, the government will combine computing resources and data networks into one unified national service to improve efficiency.
 

At the school level, students will study subjects that encourage creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving. Universities will introduce basic AI courses to promote cooperation between different fields of study. Vocational training and lifelong learning programmes will focus on modernising traditional jobs and giving more people access to AI education.

To make these changes successful, China will also improve teacher training. AI knowledge will become part of teacher certification and licensing standards. This is meant to help teachers gain the skills needed for technology-based classrooms.

Funding will come mainly from the central government, with special support for large national projects that create new AI learning platforms. Local governments and schools will also be encouraged to invest in these reforms.