Beijing is set to implement artificial intelligence courses for primary and secondary school students as part of China’s broader strategy to lead in the AI sector. Starting in the upcoming fall semester, which begins on September 1, schools in the capital will incorporate at least eight hours of AI instruction into their academic programs, according to a statement from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission. These AI classes can be offered as standalone subjects or integrated into existing subjects like information technology and science.
China has long aspired to establish itself as a leader in AI innovation. The urgency of this goal was highlighted earlier this year when the startup DeepSeek unveiled a model claiming performance comparable to that of major US companies while requiring significantly fewer resources.
This educational initiative aligns with the government’s commitments made during the National People’s Congress to promote the widespread use of large-scale AI models and the development of next-generation intelligent devices and manufacturing technologies.
Huai Jinpeng, China’s Minister of Education, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in education during discussions at the national legislature’s annual session. He also announced that the country plans to release a white paper on AI education in 2025, further outlining its commitment to integrating AI into the educational landscape.
