AI race enters a new phase

AI race enters a new phase

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/31/cnbcs-china-connection-newsletter-ai-race-enters-a-new-phase.html

Publish Date: 2026-03-30 19:03:00

Source Domain: www.cnbc.com

Certainly! Here is an unordered list summarizing the key points from the article:

  • Shift to Industry-specific AI: Chinese companies are moving beyond large language models like DeepSeek to develop specialized AI for specific industries to drive revenue growth.

  • Alibaba’s AI Integration: Alibaba’s Accio platform uses AI to handle legal and financial aspects of global trade, automate customs paperwork, and calculate profit margins.

  • Strategic Partnerships: Alibaba plans to partner with U.S. AI models to improve their product’s understanding of country-specific laws, finance, and HR regulations.

  • MagicPen Bio’s AI in Agriculture: MagicPen Bio uses AI-powered biological research to create plants that glow in the dark and is planning partnerships with U.S. and Middle Eastern companies to sell the underlying technology.

  • Focus on IP and Patents: The trend of selling patents globally is becoming prominent in China, facilitated by forums like the Zhongguancun Forum.

  • Humanoid Robot Development: Linkerbot aims to reduce the cost of humanoid robots and enable them to assemble robotic parts by themselves through AI and a specialized online database.

  • Limits of General AI: Chinese businesses are focusing on specialized AI to achieve tangible, industry-targeted outcomes despite the limitations of general AI technologies.

  • Upcoming Economic Indicators: The article also highlights several important economic data releases and holidays coming up in China.