The southern Chinese technology hub of Shenzhen wants artificial intelligence in every home and business within five years, a plan experts say puts the city front and center in an escalating tech battle between China and America. City unveils ambitious five-year AI roadmap City officials revealed the ambitious target Monday when they published Shenzhen’s newest economic roadmap covering 2026 through 2030. The document outlines how Shenzhen aims to rank among the world’s leading technology centers by 2035, setting an example for other major Chinese cities to follow. According to the policy paper from Shenzhen’s Communist Party committee, the objective is to get AI into every residence while supporting all types of jobs and sectors. Officials are seeking what they’re calling an “AI+” approach that encompasses both government services and private businesses. Shenzhen to become testing ground for national AI strategy Experts believe Shenzhen will serve as an essential proving ground for China’s national AI plans, especially as this technology becomes another arena where Beijing and Washington compete. Dai Mingjie, who researches policy at the South China University of Technology, said what Shenzhen does over the coming decade matters for the entire nation. The city’s AI blueprint represents a concrete version of broader national aims and shows China moving away from chasing pure technological superiority, where America still leads toward a wider focus on making things, finding practical uses, and selling products, areas where China holds clear advantages, Dai explained. China’s Communist Party identified its overall priorities for the 15th five-year plan during meetings last October, singling out AI as crucial by stressing breakthroughs and widespread use across different sectors. Now, Shenzhen is turning those ideas into reality by following an AI development approach that differs from the American path, according to Dai. Which country wins the AI competition might depend less on who invents the most groundbreaking technology and more on who gets AI working in everyday life fastest to help regular people, he said. China, particularly Shenzhen, has an edge in what he called “innovation through application.” Building a workable, copyable model focused on AI for everyone in Shenzhen would help the rest of the country, Dai added. The planning document also highlighted the importance of becoming independent in making AI chips, developing software, and creating homegrown operating systems, along with building more computing infrastructure to handle large-scale rollouts. Priority sectors identified for AI integration Officials identified key focus areas, including robots powered by AI, vehicles that drive themselves, smart transportation networks, and the low-altitude economy, which could spark growth in other new sectors. Shenzhen’s economy expanded 5.8 percent last year compared to the previous year, reaching 3.68 trillion yuan, equal to $526.4 billion, making it China’s third-largest city by economic output. The city has long led China’s technology push and is the headquarters to major companies like Huawei Technologies and Tencent. BYD, the world’s biggest electric vehicle maker, calls Shenzhen home, as does DJI, the drone manufacturer, along with newer AI companies valued at over a billion dollars. The city’s 2,800 artificial intelligence firms produced 360 billion yuan, about $51.5 billion, in economic activity last year, city statistics show. Beijing is counting on Shenzhen to help overcome Western restrictions on AI chips and the machines that make advanced semiconductors, while also speeding up how quickly the technology gets used in real situations. The city is working jointly with Hong Kong on a technology park located on the border between them. China’s previous planning period designated the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Hetao Cooperation Zone as a world-class center meant to drive technological innovation throughout the Greater Bay Area. Shenzhen will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in November 2026, giving Beijing a chance to display the city’s accomplishments to visiting world leaders, possibly including US President Donald Trump. Analyst warns against heavy-handed government control But even with these achievements, another analyst warned that the city needs to find the right mix between government direction and market forces. Tang Dajie, who studies business at the China Enterprise Institute think tank in Beijing, noted that none of the major technology companies succeeded because of government involvement or targets, and none of the AI leaders are government-owned. “The government certainly has a role with its industrial policies and planning, but there is no room for a command economy,” Tang said. Shenzhen should let researchers and companies determine for themselves the best and most efficient ways to utilize AI, allowing market forces to determine what works best, he added. Sign up to Bybit and start trading with $30,050 in welcome gifts
