China targets 20,000 software firms in AI push by 2028

September 11, 2026 (MLN): China China has unveiled a two-stage action plan to accelerate artificial intelligence integration across its software and information technology services industry, targeting more than 20,000 major software enterprises by 2028.

The plan issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology seeks to raise the intelligence level of China's software industry through advanced coding tools and development platforms.

Authorities also plan to develop 100 benchmark applications for agent-based software across key industries and incubate at least five high-quality open-source projects.

By 2030, China aims to achieve intelligent upgrades across critical software systems, positioning AI-powered programming, agent software and intelligent services as new drivers of industrial growth.

The initiative forms part of China's broader "AI Plus" strategy, which has been promoted by the government for three consecutive years.

Chinese authorities expect the country's AI-related sectors to exceed 10 trillion yuan, equivalent to around $1.48 trillion, in combined scale by 2030.

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