China has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of the global industrial robotics revolution, now accounting for over half of the world’s industrial robot installations. This milestone was highlighted by Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), during a press conference held on Monday.
In 2024, the added value of high-tech manufacturing above a designated size in China grew by an impressive 8.9 percent. This growth underscores China’s deepening integration of technological and industrial innovation, accelerating the development of a modern industrial system and fostering new quality productive forces.
Liu noted a surge of technological breakthroughs, with cutting-edge innovations making frequent debuts. Traditional industries are undergoing intelligent and green transformations, with smart equipment rapidly gaining traction. Among the world’s 189 “lighthouse factories”—leading manufacturing sites showcasing digitalization and automation—79 are in China, nearly half of them in traditional sectors like steel and food processing.
Emerging industries are thriving, and future industry layouts are taking shape. This year, humanoid robots performed traditional dances at the Spring Festival Gala, drones lit up the night sky with “cyber fireworks”, and China’s open-source AI models sparked global discussions.
These developments highlight China’s commitment to technological advancement and its growing influence in shaping the future of global industries. As smart technology continues to integrate into various sectors, China is setting the pace for innovation and modernization.
