China has announced plans to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence and big data in elderly and social care, as the country struggles with a low birth rate and a declining workforce. Civil Affairs Minister Lu Zhiyuan revealed the plan at a news conference during China’s annual Two Sessions political gathering, stating that the goal is to make services “more convenient, more accessible, and more standardized”.
China’s population has declined for the third consecutive year, with over 310 million people aged 60 and over. As the workforce shrinks, the government is turning to technology to drive future economic growth. The use of AI and big data is expected to play a crucial role in this effort, with local governments already integrating DeepSeek’s AI model into their services.
President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed official support for the sector, urging AI and technology executives to “show their talents” at a rare symposium last month. DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, was in attendance, along with representatives from leading technology firms such as Tencent, Huawei, and Xiaomi.
China’s push for technological innovation in elderly care is part of a broader plan to address the challenges posed by its aging population. The country aims to establish a comprehensive elderly care system, with a focus on providing care for seniors with disabilities and improving access to institutional care.
