On August 19, a launch ceremony for AI Plus: Empowering High-Quality Development Across Industries in China, published by China Development Press, was held at the China Hall of Science and Technology. Affiliated with the Development Research Center of the State Council, the highest state administrative body, China Development Press is a central-level publishing house.  

The new book is a major contribution  to strengthening China’s institutional framework at the national level and advancing the development of a “Digital China.” Its publication is both a response to national strategies and an in-depth exploration of the practical implementation of the country’s “AI Plus” Initiative. 

The AI Plus Initiative is a national strategy to embed AI across the entire economy and society, rather than treating AI as a standalone tech sector. It was formally launched through a State Council document issued in August 2025. 

AI is a cutting-edge field and frontier of innovation with enormous social and economic potential, driving the optimization and upgrading of China’s economic structure. As the Guideline on Deepening the Implementation of the AI Plus Initiative of the State Council was recently launched, the book offers a systematic review of how AI is being applied to the real economy and explores pathways toward high-quality development across industries. 

With Chinese modernization as its central theme, the book adopts a comprehensive framework combining overall strategic planning with in-depth sector-specific analysis. Closely aligned with the country’s latest strategic priorities and the forward-looking objectives of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), it connects national-level policy design with practical industry applications. It presents a comprehensive picture of the systemic transformation driven by AI across economic and social sectors, from efficiency gains and business model restructuring to the evolution of industrial ecosystems. 

Focusing on China’s exploration and practical experience in AI, the book examines the strategic significance, implementation pathways and future prospects of the AI Plus Initiative. It also interprets, from an AI perspective, the approaches and concrete measures for achieving China's national goals of becoming a manufacturing, aerospace, education, science and technology, financial, agricultural, cultural, tourism and energy powerhouse—goals outlined in the original recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan. 

The book is not merely a theoretical work; it is designed as a practical guide.  

It can serve as a reference for Central Government departments planning economy-wide intelligent transformation, help policymakers identify emerging trends and formulate policies, and provide businesses with practical guidance for digital transformation. 

The book also aims to promote the public understanding of AI and deepen public engagement with reading. By encouraging people from all segments of society to learn about AI and learn how to properly apply it in their daily life or work, the initiative seeks to contribute to China’s national development goals and the high-quality development of both the digital economy and the real economy.