China’s generative AI adoption has soared to 515 million users in just six months, driven by state policy, domestic innovation, and rapid integration into daily life—marking a decisive shift in the global AI balance

China’s generative artificial intelligence sector has achieved remarkable expansion, with the user base doubling to 515 million within six months, as detailed in a recent report released by the China Internet Network Information Centre (CNNIC). This surge reflects an adoption rate of 36.5% among internet users during the first half of 2025, establishing China as a leading player in the global AI ecosystem.

The CNNIC findings indicate that generative AI engagement more than doubled from approximately 257 million users at the end of December 2024 to 515 million by June 2025. This acceleration is attributed to robust infrastructure development and supportive government policies, facilitating widespread integration of AI technologies across professional and personal applications.

User Demographics and Adoption Patterns

A comprehensive survey conducted by CNNIC, involving 30,000 respondents from 31 provinces, provides insight into the demographic composition of generative AI users. Individuals under 40 years of age comprise 74.6% of the user base, highlighting the dominance of younger and mid-career professionals in early adoption.

Higher education plays a notable role, with 37.5% of users holding degrees from tertiary institutions. This profile underscores the concentration of adoption among digitally proficient, educated segments of the population, who utilize these tools to enhance productivity in workplace settings and streamline daily tasks. For instance, professionals in software development and marketing sectors report significant efficiency gains through AI-assisted processes, such as code optimization and content creation.

Preference for Domestic AI Models

A key revelation from the report is that over 90% of respondents select domestic AI models as their primary choice. This preference aligns with national strategies emphasizing technological self-sufficiency, particularly given restrictions on access to leading U.S.-based platforms, including those from OpenAI and Google DeepMind.

Chinese enterprises have effectively addressed this gap. Prominent models include DeepSeek’s R1, launched in January 2025, which catalyzed substantial growth; Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen, a versatile platform for language processing and computational tasks; and ByteDance’s Doubao, noted for its intuitive interface and rapid uptake. These solutions are optimized for local languages, cultural contexts, and integration with prevalent applications such as WeChat, contributing to their widespread acceptance.

The South China Morning Post has reported on the explosive growth of these platforms, particularly Doubao’s appeal among students and educators for exam preparation and instructional design. Alibaba Cloud, as the AI and cloud computing division of Alibaba Group Holding, exemplifies how domestic innovation is scaling to meet enterprise and consumer demands.

Comparative Global Positioning

China has solidified its status as the world’s largest generative AI market. A Microsoft study from September 2025 estimated over 195 million active users as of June 2024, measured as the proportion of the working-age population engaging with AI tools on a regular basis. The introduction of DeepSeek’s R1 model marked a pivotal inflection point, driving adoption from under 10% to 20% within six months.

In contrast, the United States has maintained a stable adoption rate of approximately 25% over the past year. This disparity illustrates divergent trajectories: China’s ecosystem operates independently, fueled by internal advancements, while relying less on Western technologies.

Zhang Xiao, CNNIC’s deputy director, informed state media outlet Xinhua of anticipated progress in areas such as open-source frameworks, embodied intelligence, autonomous AI agents, and governance mechanisms. These developments signal a commitment to sustained innovation.

Leadership in AI Patents and Research

China’s influence extends to intellectual property, with 1.576 million AI-related patent applications filed by April 2025—accounting for 38.58% of the global total, the highest of any nation. This volume encompasses foundational algorithms, hardware optimizations, and application-specific advancements.

Such patent activity reflects extensive research and development investments by corporations and institutions. For example, enhancements to Qwen have enabled predictive maintenance in manufacturing, reducing downtime and operational costs for businesses. This R&D emphasis complements user growth, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation and adoption.

Policy Framework Driving Expansion

The observed growth aligns closely with Beijing’s “AI Plus” initiative, which promotes the pervasive application of artificial intelligence across economic sectors and societal functions. Emphasis on self-reliance spans the entire value chain, from large-scale models to semiconductor infrastructure.

This strategic approach incentivizes domestic firms to deliver competitive solutions while fostering user familiarity through educational programs and subsidies. The result is an environment where AI tools are embedded in workflows, from e-commerce personalization to urban management systems.

Implications for the International AI Landscape

The expansion to 515 million generative AI users in China represents a foundational shift, cultivating a self-contained ecosystem that serves a vast population without dependence on external platforms. This parallel structure contrasts with Western-dominated spheres, potentially leading to bifurcated standards in technology evolution, cross-border collaboration, and regulatory frameworks.

As adoption trajectories continue, the sustainability of this momentum will depend on ongoing platform enhancements and user satisfaction. Chinese models must evolve to address emerging needs in a dynamic market, ensuring long-term relevance.

In summary, China’s generative AI sector demonstrates exceptional vitality, driven by demographic alignment, domestic innovation, and policy support. With 515 million users and unparalleled patent leadership, the nation is reshaping the global AI narrative through practical, large-scale implementation.