The Chinese government has approved 14 new large language models (LLMs) and AI applications from major tech companies for commercial use, reflecting Beijing’s measured but continued push to advance AI adoption across industries.
This latest batch of approvals (this is the third one), covers more specialized models catered to individual sectors compared to previous general-purpose AI systems. Companies such as Xiaomi, Beijing Fourth Paradigm Technology Co, and 01.AI, led by venture capitalist Lee Kai-fu, are at the forefront of this wave, offering tailored AI solutions that promise to revolutionize traditional business models.
Among the newly approved models, there's a remarkable variety. Xiaomi gained approval for an enhanced version of its voice assistant XiaoAi, now powered by Xiaomi’s proprietary LLM. E-commerce firm Boss Zhipin had its “Nanbei Pavilion” LLM cleared, which aims to optimize recruitment and talent search. Video solutions provider XinYi Tech introduced an LLM tailored for the media, advertising and education sectors that can generate and process video content.
The industry-specific focus mirrors China’s national AI strategy centered on boosting efficiency across sectors from finance to manufacturing. Models narrowly targeting individual fields may inspire greater business adoption compared to broad chatbots like ChatGPT. They also enable tighter governance as regulators only assess more confined capabilities.
These developments also come in the wake of China's establishment of the China Electronic Standardisation Institute and the implementation of the "Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services." These regulatory frameworks aim to guide the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they align with broader societal goals and security standards.
The approved AI applications include:
- Xiaomi's XiaoAi Assistant: An advanced AI assistant that integrates with Xiaomi's hardware ecosystem, offering features like voice recognition, real-time translation, and intelligent reminders.
- 4Paradigm's Shi Shuo LLM: Aimed at transforming enterprise software with generative AI, it has been deployed across finance, retail, manufacturing, and more.
- 01.AI's Yi LLM: Developed by a startup founded by Kai-Fu Lee, these open source models range from 6 billion to 34 billion parameters, targeting various AI applications.
- BOSS Zhipin's Nanbei Pavilion LLM: A generative AI service focusing on recruitment, still in the testing phase but promising to innovate the hiring process.
- ThreatBook's XGPT AI Model: China's first LLM focused on internet security, offering enterprises analysis of potential security threats.
- Xianyuan Technology's "Pinshang" and "Moxiao Xian" LLMs: Designed for consumer product companies, these models provide insights and support for innovation in products and marketing.
- XinYi Video: Specializes in AI-powered video generation and processing, applicable in sectors like advertising and education.
- Effyic's AI Model
- Zhi Tech Group's AI Q&A
- Maimai's new Intelligent Q&A: Offers AI-driven Q&A support on the professional networking platform, aiding in job hunting and workplace knowledge.
- Zhaopin's AI Resume Revision: An intelligent tool for creating more standardized resumes, leveraging AI to improve job application processes.
- iReader's Yue Ai Chat: An AI conversational WeChat mini-program designed for engaging users with literary content in a conversational format.
- Cyber Intelligence's Yiye Qingzhou LLM: Focused on enterprise, government, and consumer applications.
- CreateView Technology's Magic Cube: An AI product that covers a range of use-cases. It has gained traction in being implemented in the smart cockpit field for automobiles.
There are now over 40 LLMs approved, and sources indicate over 240 additional models await government review.