Beijing bets on embodied intelligence to secure structural power

(Leci Zhang, Yiran Xing – East Asia Forum) China is broadening its AI strategy from a focus on artificial general intelligence to an ‘AI+’ model centred on industrial deployment, with embodied intelligence positioned as a driver of economic restructuring, labour substitution and influence over global supply chains and international standards. Rapid investment and policy support signal strong momentum, but technological fragmentation, uncertain commercial returns and unresolved challenges around scalability and reliability mean China’s ability to convert early gains into lasting industrial leadership remains uncertain. – Beijing bets on embodied intelligence to secure structural power | East Asia Forum