China

Published by Daniel at January 1, 2022

China has established artificial intelligence as a matter of national interest. This country aims to become the world's biggest AI power by 2030...

AI Global Leader by 2030

China is currently on a $150 million bet to become the world’s leader in artificial intelligence by 2030. Due to its immense resources and infinite capacity, this Asian country is defining most of the ethics and standards for AI. As the Chinese government became aware of the potential benefits of this new technology, in 2017, the State Council released the “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan” (AIDP). The project delineates three critical goals, to reach AI competitiveness with other major powers by 2020, to achieve a “major breakthrough” by 2025, and to become the world’s innovation center by 2030.(1)

The project delineates three critical goals, to reach AI competitiveness with other major powers by 2020, to achieve a “major breakthrough” by 2025, and to become the world’s innovation center by 2030.(1)

The Chinese government has endorsed many private companies to develop specific sectors to fulfill each landmark. For example, the internet-related company, Baidu Inc, has been assigned to develop autonomous driving, while the e-commerce specialized Alibaba Group is in charge of planning smart cities. The naming of these so-called “national champions” has created an extensive domestic competition to fulfill the government’s criteria and gain access to preferential contracts, more accessible financing, and market share protection. Tencent Holdings has been one of the favorites for its contribution in the healthcare field towards accurate medical diagnosing.(2)

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Tencent Holdings Ltd. is a world-leading technology company. Founded in 1998 and based in Shenzhen, it is considered one of the top ten most prominent companies globally.(3)Tencent’s mission is “to enhance the quality of human life through internet services” using artificial intelligence. Currently, it is focused on developing high-quality knowledge on machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and speech recognition.(4)One of its main goals is to “assist physicians in the early detection and prevention of diseases^.”(5)

In October 2020, Tencent introduced the AI Medical Innovation System – Medical Image Cloud. This AI-powered diagnostic medical imaging service will help the Chinese healthcare system deal with millions of daily imaging tests by allowing patients to conveniently manage their medical images and share them with medical professionals. To fulfill their ambition to decrease hospitals’ uneven distribution across the country, Tencent is steadily building a network of medical centers and physicians where patients can book their appointments through the WeChat Intelligent Healthcare system. This tool will help patients and physicians follow-up on health checkups, access medical records, and pay for medical bills.(6)

Currently, it is focused on developing high-quality knowledge on machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and speech recognition.(4)One of its main goals is to “assist physicians in the early detection and prevention of diseases^.”(5)

Yitu Tech

Yitu Tech is currently one of the world’s leading providers of artificial intelligence solutions. This Shanghai-based company has an extensive presence in security, finance, transportation, and healthcare.(7,8)Yitu healthcare is committed to increasing the Chinese medical system’s capabilities by enhancing medical service development and optimizing diagnosis and treatment tools.(8)One of the most important projects is the Medical Big Data Intelligence, developed through deep mining, extraction, and structuralization of disease databases with artificial intelligence. This tool’s goal is to aid clinics, teaching, and research.(9)

Yitu, along with Care.ai®, has created an Intelligent Diagnosis System, a series of products destined to help physicians in their daily practice. With a neural network and deep learning technology, these series of tools can help evaluate child growth, chest CTs, mammographies, and strokes.⁽⁹⁾ Among its different uses, the Intelligent 4D Imaging System for Chest CT is recognized as the world’s first AI system to detect pulmonary nodules and help radiologists achieve high levels of efficacy in the prediction and evaluation of lesions.⁽¹⁰⁾ This groundbreaking system has also been used recently to evaluate COVID-19 by classifying the severity of local and diffuse consolidates by analyzing key image features such as the lesions’ morphology, extent, and density.(11)

Among its different uses, the Intelligent 4D Imaging System for Chest CT is recognized as the world’s first AI system to detect pulmonary nodules and help radiologists achieve high levels of efficacy in the prediction and evaluation of lesions.⁽¹⁰⁾ This groundbreaking system has also been used recently to evaluate COVID-19 by classifying the severity of local and diffuse consolidates by analyzing key image features such as the lesions’ morphology, extent, and density.(11)

Ping An Technology

Ping An Technology is a Shenzhen-based company founded in 2018. It has embraced artificial intelligence as a top priority by using cognitive and decision-making AI algorithms to predict multiple diseases like influenza or diabetes.(12) Its leading product is Ping An Good Doctor, an AI-based medical app launched in 2015 that provides 24/7 medical services, online consultations, referrals, and online drug purchases. With over 346 million users, it is considered the global leader in online healthcare services platforms.(12)

Its leading product is Ping An Good Doctor, an AI-based medical app launched in 2015 that provides 24/7 medical services, online consultations, referrals, and online drug purchases. With over 346 million users, it is considered the global leader in online healthcare services platforms.(12)