Shanghai: China has released 1,509 large artificial intelligence (AI) models, the highest number globally, accounting for a substantial share of the 3,755 models launched worldwide to date, according to information presented at the 2025 World AI Conference (WAIC).
According to Namibia Press Agency, China has established a comprehensive AI industrial system encompassing foundational infrastructure and sector-specific applications. Data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) reveals that the country is home to over 5,100 AI companies, which make up roughly 15 percent of the global total. Additionally, China boasts 71 AI unicorns, representing about 26 percent of the world's 271.
Yu Xiaohui, president of CAICT, noted the rapid iteration of foundational large models this year, along with new technological approaches, demonstrates significant potential for advancing towards Artificial General Intelligence. He highlighted that a positive development landscape has emerged in China, characterized by leading companies, rising unicorns, specialized firms, and emerging startups.
Listed companies and unicorns are seen as major engines for China's AI industry. There are over 300 AI-related listed companies in China, whose AI-related revenue constitutes about 70 percent of the country's total AI industry scale, according to CAICT.
The top five innovation fields for Chinese AI unicorns are large models, autonomous driving, intelligent robots, business intelligence applications, and AI computing chips.
China's AI industry is expanding rapidly, driven by a continuous stream of new technologies, applications, and business models. It has become a key growth driver for high-quality economic and social development, Yu stated.
Themed "Global Solidarity in the AI Era," the three-day WAIC, along with the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance held concurrently in Shanghai, concluded on Monday. It brought together high-level representatives from over 40 countries and international organizations.