China’s AI Plus initiative positions artificial intelligence as a tool for improving governance efficiency and public administration, as authorities look to modernise state management and urban operations.

The plan calls for the development of “intelligent urban operations” through AI-enabled upgrades to city planning, construction and governance systems. Policymakers are also promoting AI-powered public services capable of identifying needs, planning responses and handling administrative processes more efficiently.

AI is additionally expected to play a larger role in public-resource bidding, procurement and oversight, while supporting cross-domain planning across land, air, sea and space. Environmental governance is another focus area, with authorities encouraging the use of AI in monitoring water, soil, marine ecosystems, biodiversity and carbon markets.

The initiative also highlights AI applications in public security, cyberspace governance and risk management, reflecting Beijing’s broader efforts to strengthen digital governance capabilities and improve administrative efficiency.