China shifts AI focus toward practical commerce and industrial application

China has introduced 18 new measures to integrate artificial intelligence into the commerce sector, specifically targeting retail, logistics, and consumer services. Jointly issued by nine government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, the guidelines aim to boost consumption and distribution efficiency through smart warehouses, unmanned delivery, and AI-powered product customization.

This move reflects a broader strategic shift by the Chinese State Council. Recent policy developments indicate a transition from high-level strategic planning to the practical implementation of the “AI Plus” initiative. Rather than focusing solely on fundamental research and supercomputing, the government is now prioritizing real-world applications, linking technological innovation to the real economy, and coordinating computing power with energy needs.

Globally, the World Bank’s 2026 World Development Report highlights a similar trend, suggesting that for many economies, the value of AI lies in its ability to be adopted and adapted to local needs—such as healthcare and agriculture—rather than in a race to develop the largest foundational models.