China is intensifying its focus on the smart connected-vehicle industry, marking a new phase of policy acceleration as global automakers and Chinese tech firms collaborate to shape the future of mobility. Intelligent and connected vehicles are now considered a strategic direction for transforming the automotive sector, according to Xin Guobin, vice-minister of industry and information technology, at the recent World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference. The event, organized by key governmental bodies, emphasized plans for a new development strategy in the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), focusing on intelligent connected and new energy vehicles. The government aims to support technological innovation, integrate artificial intelligence with the automotive industry, and advance next-generation architectures and high-performance chips. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish standards for driver-assist and autonomous systems, enhance vehicle production access, and regulate market competition. China has developed a comprehensive ecosystem in smart cockpits, autonomous driving, and cloud connectivity, with a significant portion of new cars equipped with driver-assist functions. Pilot projects are ongoing in numerous cities, integrating vehicle-road-cloud systems, while the Ministry of Transport is preparing guidelines under its “AI + Transport” initiative to build an intelligent transport network. The policy focus extends to regulatory refinement and safety assurance, driven by safety concerns and significant vehicle recalls due to driver-assist system issues. The developments are closely monitored by global automakers and tech companies, with leaders like BMW and Geely highlighting the transformative impact of AI and the importance of collaboration in China’s innovation ecosystem. The industry is moving towards practical applications and regulatory consolidation, with future advancements in assisted-driving systems expected to handle the majority of driving tasks, emphasizing safety as a priority.
How is China advancing in smart mobility?
