China unveils guidelines to regulate, boost innovative development of AI agents

China’s government has introduced official guidelines to advance the development and regulation of AI agents, marking a key step in the country’s broader ‘AI plus’ initiative. The document, jointly issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), defines AI agents as intelligent systems capable of autonomous perception, memory, decision-making, interaction, and execution. These systems are increasingly integrated into both cyberspace and the physical world, driven by advancements like large language models. The guidelines outline four core areas of focus. First, they emphasize consolidating development foundations by improving technological infrastructure and establishing industry standards. Second, they prioritize safety and security measures to ensure controlled growth. Third, the document identifies 19 typical application scenarios, including scientific research, industrial development, consumer services, public well-being, and social governance. Fourth, it promotes the creation of an innovation ecosystem, encouraging collaboration and wider adoption of AI agents. The principles stress safety, controllability, standardization, and innovation-driven development, aligning with China’s push to position itself as a leader in AI technology. The guidelines reflect a structured approach to balancing rapid technological progress with regulatory oversight, ensuring responsible deployment across sectors.