China’s Li Qiang urges faster industrial AI adoption at meeting with Moonshot AI founder

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has intensified Beijing's push to embed artificial intelligence into the nation's industrial base, meeting directly with Moonshot AI founder Yang Zhilin at a high-level economic symposium. The 32-year-old founder of one of China's fastest-rising AI startups joined select business leaders and experts to discuss economic resilience and growth drivers. Li acknowledged a complex external environment but noted China's strong economic start in 2026, crediting proactive macroeconomic policies.

During the meeting, Premier Li specifically urged deeper implementation of China's 'AI plus' strategy, calling for accelerated integration of AI technologies into manufacturing to drive digital and intelligent upgrades across industries. He emphasized the need to combine advanced manufacturing with modern services to strengthen China's broader industrial system. The premier also called on participants to tap emerging sectors to create jobs, boost incomes, and expand domestic demand, while encouraging entrepreneurs like Yang to play leading roles in innovation and employment creation.

The symposium signals Beijing's strategic focus on leveraging domestic AI talent and companies, like the prominent Moonshot AI, to maintain competitive advantage in high-tech manufacturing. This direct engagement between top leadership and AI entrepreneurs reflects China's state-led approach to technological development, where government direction and private sector innovation are closely coordinated to achieve national industrial goals.