China's Generative AI User Base Reaches 515 Million, Doubling in Six Months
By June 2025, China's generative AI user base had grown to 515 million, achieving a 36.5% adoption rate and doubling its size in just six months.
This explosive growth was fueled by robust digital infrastructure, state-supported programs, and the comprehensive national "AI Plus" strategy unveiled in August. The policy drives AI integration across core economic sectors, targeting a 70% penetration rate by 2027 and over 90% by 2030 in science, industry, public administration, and consumer applications.
More than 90% of users in China primarily use domestic AI models, as international platforms such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind remain inaccessible. Leading local platforms include DeepSeek, which reported 125 million global monthly active users by Q2 2025, along with Alibaba Cloud's Qwen and ByteDance's Doubao. The launch of DeepSeek's R1 model in January 2025 sparked a surge in adoption that helped double the national user count within months.
User adoption is highest among younger, educated demographics. Approximately 74.6% of users are under 40, with 33.8% aged 19 or younger. Nearly 38% hold an associate degree or higher, and bachelor's degree holders account for 28.9% of the user base.
According to the China Internet Network Information Center, 538 generative AI services and 263 applications or features had been registered under the government's compliance framework by August. This represents rapid growth from the 346 services registered in March.
Generative AI is extensively used for intelligent search, content creation, and office assistance. New applications are emerging in agriculture, manufacturing, and scientific research. By April 2025, China had filed 1.576 million AI-related patents, representing 38.58% of the global total—the highest share of any country.
The State Council's AI Plus initiative requires government bodies and state-owned enterprises to lead AI adoption by opening application scenarios, improving innovation ecosystems, and strengthening computing infrastructure and data supply. The policy also prioritizes strong AI governance, risk management, and ethical standards, with a clear focus on shaping international AI norms and fostering cooperation under UN guidance.
China's AI Plus strategy positions artificial intelligence as a key engine for the intelligent economy, transforming industrial and governance models while upgrading public services. The effort underscores China's ambition to achieve global leadership in AI research, application, and governance, with generative AI playing a central role in this national modernization drive.
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By June 2025, China's generative AI user base had grown to 515 million, achieving a 36.5% adoption rate and doubling its size in just six months.
This explosive growth was fueled by robust digital infrastructure, state-supported programs, and the comprehensive national "AI Plus" strategy unveiled in August. The policy drives AI integration across core economic sectors, targeting a 70% penetration rate by 2027 and over 90% by 2030 in science, industry, public administration, and consumer applications.
More than 90% of users in China primarily use domestic AI models, as international platforms such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind remain inaccessible. Leading local platforms include DeepSeek, which reported 125 million global monthly active users by Q2 2025, along with Alibaba Cloud's Qwen and ByteDance's Doubao. The launch of DeepSeek's R1 model in January 2025 sparked a surge in adoption that helped double the national user count within months.
User adoption is highest among younger, educated demographics. Approximately 74.6% of users are under 40, with 33.8% aged 19 or younger. Nearly 38% hold an associate degree or higher, and bachelor's degree holders account for 28.9% of the user base.
According to the China Internet Network Information Center, 538 generative AI services and 263 applications or features had been registered under the government's compliance framework by August. This represents rapid growth from the 346 services registered in March.
Generative AI is extensively used for intelligent search, content creation, and office assistance. New applications are emerging in agriculture, manufacturing, and scientific research. By April 2025, China had filed 1.576 million AI-related patents, representing 38.58% of the global total—the highest share of any country.
The State Council's AI Plus initiative requires government bodies and state-owned enterprises to lead AI adoption by opening application scenarios, improving innovation ecosystems, and strengthening computing infrastructure and data supply. The policy also prioritizes strong AI governance, risk management, and ethical standards, with a clear focus on shaping international AI norms and fostering cooperation under UN guidance.
China's AI Plus strategy positions artificial intelligence as a key engine for the intelligent economy, transforming industrial and governance models while upgrading public services. The effort underscores China's ambition to achieve global leadership in AI research, application, and governance, with generative AI playing a central role in this national modernization drive.
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