The term “new quality productive forces” has become the heartbeat of China’s development. For the second consecutive year, this vision has been highlighted in China’s government work report, and its impact is already visible across the country. From cutting-edge robotics to green energy solutions, China is redefining what it means to innovate in the 21st century.

As emphasized during the recently concluded Two Sessions—the annual meetings of China’s National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference—technological and industrial innovation is the cornerstone of developing new quality productive forces. This vision is already reshaping industries and creating new opportunities both domestically and globally.

More than DeepSeek
While China’s open-source AI model DeepSeek has garnered global attention, the nation’s innovation extends far beyond AI. Picture this: Autonomous suspended monorails in Wuhan, the biggest city in central China, provide smooth commuting experience while fitting nicely into modern urban planning. At the same time, in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province in East China, “lights-out” factories hum as robotic arms perform laser-precise welding in total darkness, saving energy while boosting productivity. These aren’t concept videos, but live demonstrations of high-tech industrial transformation.
China’s dynamic innovative power is paving the way for a more intelligent future, poised to revolutionize transportation, manufacturing, disaster response and more.

Future-Proofing Progress: Industries of Tomorrow
Industries of the future, as the name suggests, anticipate what development will look like in the years to come. This year’s government work report highlights frontier fields such as biomanufacturing, quantum technology, embodied AI, and 6G technology.

One concept that immediately caught attention is embodied AI. Unlike traditional AI, which is confined to algorithms and data, embodied intelligence interacts with and perceives the real world through physical entities like robots. Imagine robots like Xiaoxing MAX scaling the Great Wall or the PM01 prototype performing gravity-defying flips. These physical avatars promise breakthroughs in fields ranging from precision surgery to hazardous rescue missions, bridging the gap between digital intelligence and real-world applications.

Revamping Traditional Industries
China’s innovation wave isn’t just creating new sectors—it’s supercharging traditional industries as well. The integration of digital technologies in agriculture, manufacturing, and the service sector has boosted efficiency, saved resources, and better met people’s growing needs for a better life. A prime example is China’s high-speed railway system.
When the world’s first track was laid 200 years ago, its designers could hardly have imagined that one day, a high-speed train from China would zoom past at over 400 km/h. The CR450 has reached a test speed of 450 km/h, potentially the world’s fastest high-speed train upon entry into service.

This leap isn’t just about speed—it’s about higher energy efficiency, advanced safety features, and intelligent control systems. The use of drag-reducing designs, new materials, and smart driving systems not only reduces energy consumption but also ensures smoother and smarter operations. Redefining rail transport, the CR450 high-speed train is set to transform the way people travel and set new standards for the industry.

New Quality Productive Forces: A Global Opportunity
China’s innovative industrial advancements aren’t just transforming its own economy—they’re fostering global collaborations that redefine progress. When Shenzhen’s biotech expertise meets Milan’s fashion innovation, or when Indian data labs partner with Chinese AI firms, the result is a fusion of ideas that drives progress for all parties involved.
In the realm of green technology, for example, China’s battery leader CATL has partnered with European automakers to develop cutting-edge batteries. This collaboration has not only reduced the cost of electric vehicles but also accelerated the global transition to green energy, with over 1 million EVs now powered by their advanced technology. Meanwhile, DeepSeek’s open-source AI is empowering farmers in developing countries to predict locust swarms months in advance using smartphone-powered algorithms, bridging tech divides with life-changing precision.

A Shared Future of Innovation
As China continues to innovate, the potential for global cooperation grows exponentially. In an era marked by climate challenges and economic uncertainty, China’s commitment to high-quality development and open collaboration offers a beacon of hope. By embracing new quality productive forces, China is not only transforming its own future but also shaping a more connected and sustainable world for all.
Through openness and cutting-edge modernization, China is emerging as a global development driver, creating unparalleled opportunities for collaboration in the digital age. There is every reason to believe that the journey of new quality productive forces is just beginning, and its impact will resonate far beyond China’s borders, inspiring a shared future of innovation and progress.

Yi Xin is a Beijing-based international affairs commentator.