China said on Sunday it would speed up the use of artificial intelligence and big data in social and old-age care, relying on new technology to power economic growth despite an ageing population.
The statement comes as policymakers grapple with the country’s low birth rate and shrinking workforce.
“We will accelerate the development and application of new technologies and products such as big data and artificial intelligence in the fields of social assistance, elderly care services, and services for the disabled,” Civil Affairs Minister Lu Zhiyuan said at a news conference during China’s annual Two Sessions political gathering.
The move is intended to make services “more convenient, accessible, and standardised,” Lu said.
In 2024, China’s population shrank for the third year in a row, with more than 310 million people now over 60 years old.
With the dwindling labor force, the government is increasingly relying on technology to lead future economic expansion.
Provincial governments have moved quickly to introduce DeepSeek’s AI model to their services after the privately-held Chinese startup unveiled the newest edition of its chatbot in January.
DeepSeek’s cost model has outrun most Western AI competitors, despite the prohibition on selling Chinese companies advanced AI chips by the US.
President Xi Jinping again supported the sector last month, hosting a rare conference for private companies, attended by top AI and tech chiefs. He called on them to “show their talents.”
DeepSeek’s founder Liang Wenfeng was present at the meeting, with attendees from leading tech companies like Tencent, Huawei, and Xiaomi.
