Starting in September 2025, schools in Beijing will introduce AI education for primary and secondary students, ensuring each student receives at least eight hours of AI instruction annually. This initiative aligns with China’s broader ambition to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
The Beijing Municipal Education Commission has confirmed that schools can either offer AI as a standalone subject or integrate it into existing subjects like science and technology. The objective is clear: equip young learners with AI skills early to prepare them for the future.
Why AI Education for Kids?
China has long pursued AI dominance, but global competition is intensifying. A recent breakthrough from startup DeepSeek, which developed an AI model competing with major U.S. tech firms while using fewer resources, highlights the urgency of staying ahead. As part of this strategy, China is heavily investing in AI education.
Education Minister Huai Jinpeng emphasized AI’s transformative potential during the National People’s Congress. He announced plans to release a 2025 white paper outlining China’s long-term AI education strategy.
What Will Students Learn?
The AI curriculum will be structured to accommodate different age groups. Younger students will grasp foundational AI concepts, while older students will engage in more complex topics. Expected subjects include:
- AI Fundamentals: Understanding how AI works and its real-world applications.
- Machine Learning Basics: Exploring how computers identify patterns and make decisions.
- Coding & Robotics: Hands-on experience with AI-driven programming and robotics.
- Ethical AI Use: Addressing AI biases and promoting responsible AI development.
- AI in Society: Examining AI’s role in industries like healthcare, finance, and entertainment.
The Global AI Education Race
China is not alone in prioritizing AI education—other nations, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., are implementing similar programs. However, China’s large-scale, government-backed approach sets it apart from other initiatives.
Here’s how various countries compare:
| Country | AI Education Initiatives |
|---|---|
| China | AI courses for schoolchildren, part of a national strategy |
| United States | AI-focused high school programs and coding boot camps |
| United Kingdom | AI apprenticeships and updated secondary school curriculum |
| Canada | AI summer camps and university-level AI research funding |
China’s approach ensures students gain AI expertise early, fostering the next generation of innovators. This could solidify the country’s position as a long-term leader in AI research and development.