Starting next academic year, schools in Beijing, China, will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) courses for primary and secondary students.
According to a statement by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, the AI courses will be implemented from the fall semester beginning on September 1. Students will be required to complete at least eight hours of AI education each academic year. Schools have the flexibility to either integrate AI topics into the existing curriculum or offer them as separate courses.
This initiative aligns with China’s long-standing ambition to become a global leader in AI innovation. A key milestone in this direction was the introduction of DeepSeek R1, which made waves in the AI industry with its cost-effective approach.
The decision follows the government’s pledge at the National People’s Congress to promote large-scale AI applications and advance intelligent technology in manufacturing.
On the sidelines of the national legislature’s annual session, China’s Minister of Education, Huai Jinpeng, emphasized that the AI-driven tech revolution presents significant opportunities for education. He also announced that China plans to release a white paper on AI education in 2025 to further guide this initiative.