China adds 12 new professions to match AI, robotics and green sector growth

China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced plans to officially recognise 12 new occupations as part of its effort to align the labour market with fast‑expanding emerging industries. The list includes digital‑twin engineers, embodied‑AI robot technicians, sports data analysts, low‑altitude logistics operators, developers of AI agents, new‑energy vehicle inspectors and designers of senior‑friendly renovations, among others.

The move brings the total number of newly recognised professions since 2019 to 110. It reflects the government's drive to support the digital economy, green economy and "silver economy" under the 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030). The new occupations will be incorporated into the official classification after a public consultation, and national standards will be issued to guide vocational training, skills development and talent assessment. The Chinese AI industry is valued at over 1.2 trillion yuan (about US$176 billion).