China is stepping up efforts to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) terminal market to foster new drivers for economic growth.
The AI terminals include various products, ranging from smartphones, intelligent household appliances, smart cars to humanoid robots.
Global market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) forecast that shipments in China's smart terminal market will grow by four percent in 2025, with total shipments of AI devices expected to increase by 20 percent year on year.
"China has the dual advantages of the most complete manufacturing system and a super-large market. As important carriers for AI applications, AI-enhanced smartphones and computers play a key role in the development of new-generation intelligent terminals. They will accelerate the intelligent upgrade of traditional electronic information manufacturing industries and cultivate new drivers for economic growth," said Hu Xiaopeng, head of the communication industry research center of CCID Consulting.
Experts noted that companies across the entire industry chain, including chips, operating systems, and telecom operators, are increasingly focusing on the application of large language models and creating AI terminals. As AI is becoming the core competitive advantage and a key selling point for many smart devices, it represents a huge opportunity in the smart terminal market.
"The series of transformations will promote the further application of large language models in the real economy, and we will finally achieve the organic integration of the digital economy, digital technology, and manufacturing advantages. This will force us to transform from a traditional manufacturing powerhouse to a nation with great strength in intelligent manufacturing," said Gong Zheng, an engineer of the Technology and Standards Research Institute of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology.
China accelerates development of AI terminal market to foster new growth drivers
China is promoting the development of its original intellectual property (IP) brands, encouraging the consumption of products related to popular animation, games, and e-sports brands, according to a plan released on Sunday.
The country's top political and governing organs, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, unveiled the plan on special initiatives to boost consumption. The plan aims to significantly increase consumption, stimulate domestic demand across all sectors, and enhance spending power by raising incomes and reducing financial burdens.
In a figurine and toy store in Beijing, a steady flow of young people arrive daily to purchase collectibles for their homes. Often, shoppers choose items associated with stories or characters that hold special meaning for them.
"I buy these goods more for spiritual satisfaction. It's nice to choose a doll of a favorite cartoon character as a pillow," said a customer.
Increasingly, young people who visit the store are drawn to China's growing supply of home-grown IP, such as the animated film and global blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2."
"Now, I prefer Chinese-style products. 'Ne Zha 2' became popular earlier this year, so I hope the animation will have more merchandise, and that these products could be more practical," a shopper said.
Strengthening consumer brand guidance is a key highlight of the recently released plan. In response, businesses are already making preparations to tap into consumer psychology and leverage the consumption momentum driven by popular IPs.
Some businesses are honing in on the popularity of "blind boxes", which give consumers a surprise product associated with a brand of their choice.
"Our store features a wooden style, creating a theme park-like atmosphere where customers can enjoy an immersive experience. Each IP, such as blind box collectibles, has its own story. 'Black Myth: Wukong', for example, embodies a spirit of perseverance, which resonates with customers. When a customer connects deeply with an IP's story, they are more inclined to purchase related products. Additionally, we offer special experiences, such as pop-up shops for certain blind box collections, to enhance customer engagement," said Shi Cailian, manager of the figurine and toy store store.
China aims to convert home-grown IPs into boosted consumption
