Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed boosting the development of the country's new generation of artificial intelligence (AI).

Presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on October 31, Xi spoke of the need to strengthen leadership, make good plans, clearly define tasks and consolidate the foundation to promote deep integration of AI with economic and social development.

Xi said accelerating the development of new-generation AI is a strategic issue, key for China to seize the opportunities in the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation.

Accelerating the development of new-generation AI is a key strategic resource for China to boost leapfrogging development in science and technology, industrial upgrading and overall productivity increase, he said.

Xi spoke of the need to prioritize enhancing ability for original innovations and focus on key core technologies. He said China supports scientists venturing into unknown AI frontiers to achieve breakthroughs.

He said key core AI technologies should be "securely kept in our own hands."

Xi said China has a pressing need for major innovations in fields such as new-generation AI, as the country is in a pivotal stage for transforming its growth model, improving economic structure and creating new drivers of growth.

A deeper integration of AI and industrial development can provide new power for high quality growth, he said.

Xi highlighted the need for fostering leading AI enterprises and sectors.

He called for integration of AI with primary, secondary, and tertiary industries to create new growth drivers in medium-high end consumption, innovation-driven development, the green and low-carbon economy, the sharing economy, modern supply chains, and human capital services.

Xi said it was necessary to combine AI with improving living standards. He said AI should be used in areas such as education, health, sports, housing, transport, disabled and old-age care, and housekeeping.

Xi said risk analysis in AI development should be strengthened and precautions stepped up to secure the people's interests and national security.

It must be made sure that AI is safe, reliable and controllable, he said.

Xi also stressed the need to establish and improve laws, regulations, institutions, and ethics to ensure healthy development of AI.

He urged officials at all levels to work to learn cutting-edge science and technology, strengthen coordination and increase policy support.

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2018)