China plans its socioeconomic development on 5 year cycles or five year plans (FYPs). The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026 – 2030 FYP) of the Peoples Republic of China have been released outlining priorities for national socioeconomic development. These includes views of industry experts in; science & technology, ecological civilization & ecosystem conservation which are the engines of socialist China's high quality growth. Hence, it’s seen as a strategic necessity to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) from usable to effective levels forging competitive advantages for China (Ref. Media).

Though FYPs weren’t practiced, Sri Lankans have changed governments every 6 years at most elections. Judging the journey, one might say Sri Lankans weren’t intelligent to plan even a short journey & recommend Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fill in the blanks. However, despite the reversing curses with pauses etc. Sri Lankans picked socialists in 2024 expecting intelligence to reach ‘A rich country with a beautiful life’.

AI lesson from China      

The 15th FYP is seen critical for China as its moving towards a moderately prosperous socialist republic (a Xiaokang) supported by tools such as AI. Chinese policy makers have realized that the fast changing global technological landscape is undergoing unprecedented restructuring due to AI. Hence, China seems to be taking steps to utilize the strategic imperative & practical necessity to develop internal AI capacity from usable to effective. China at present is among the global front runners in AI applications & it’s expected to go beyond borders with its enormous data stocks connected to industrial chains, mega infrastructure etc. along the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) (21^st century Silk Road).

Strategic focus on domestic AI during the 15th FYP is important for China to reach high ground in science & industry. It will be essential to safeguard national security & boost economic growth. Historically China never colonized countries & therefore, never attempted to build its house in other’s yards. Hence, China is expected to achieve breakthroughs in fundamental AI research on a controllable foundation for itself. Considering China’s historic peaceful outreach, Chinese AI tools are expected to be tools for global good (example: Spark large model platform of iFlytek which supports more than 130 languages) (Ref Media). China is expected to cultivate the application ecosystem for AI & its practical as only prosperous ecosystems can ensure sustainable vitality. As China commands the world’s 2^nd largest economy, with synergy between production & application, China can easily incentivize all in adopting domestic AI contributing to the development of global AI. Despite high investments in AI, Socialist Chinese realizing that they are still behind developed countries in fundamental cornerstones of AI (i.e. basic theory, original algorithms & high-end chips etc.) & working to learn more is a good lesson for those who overestimate. Sri Lankans may stop over estimating their intelligence & learn global lessons without delay.

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