China's MIIT blueprint targets AI vehicle standards and EV chips

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Tuesday published its 2026 work plan on automotive standardisation, a sweeping regulatory blueprint targeting core technologies from vehicle chips and AI to autonomous driving and low-carbon development. The plan calls for completing a standards system during China's 15th five-year plan period, with specific priorities including testing and security requirements for AI models used in automated driving systems, guidelines for large automotive models, and end-to-end AI systems that carmakers are increasingly adopting for advanced driver assistance. Additionally, the plan accelerates standards for automotive chips and battery safety—particularly for solid-state batteries and charging systems—as part of efforts to reinforce China's dominance in electric vehicles (EVs) and automobile manufacturing.

Beyond domestic regulation, the plan underscores China's ambition to shape global automotive standards. MIIT said it will deepen participation in UN automotive regulations covering autonomous driving, EV safety, and battery durability, while promoting new international standards. The ministry also aims to help establish an international automotive science and technology organization, expand cooperation, and support Chinese carmakers in navigating overseas markets. This strategic push positions China to influence how next-generation vehicles are designed, tested, and deployed worldwide, potentially setting de facto technical rules for EV and AI-driven cars that competitors must follow.