In a significant move to bolster digital transformation, the National Data Administration of China outlined ambitious plans to enhance data infrastructure and promote high-quality datasets, with a particular focus on advancing embodied intelligence and embodied robot technologies. The announcements were made during a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on August 14, 2025, as part of a series themed on the high-quality completion of the “14th Five-Year Plan.” The conference highlighted China’s substantial progress in digital construction, including a global ranking of second in total computing power scale, and detailed forthcoming policies and initiatives aimed at unlocking the value of data elements across various industries.
Liu Liehong, Director of the National Data Administration and a member of the National Development and Reform Commission, emphasized the critical role of data in driving artificial intelligence advancements. He noted that high-quality datasets are essential for improving AI model accuracy, citing examples such as a 15% increase in disease diagnosis precision through annotated medical imaging datasets. As of June 2025, China has developed over 35,000 high-quality datasets with a total volume exceeding 400 petabytes (PB), equivalent to 140 times the digital resources of the National Library of China. This massive data repository has fueled a surge in data transactions, with cumulative trading volumes nearing 4 billion yuan and listed high-quality datasets on data exchanges reaching 246 PB. Director Liu underscored that China’s proactive approach to treating data as a production factor has been instrumental in these achievements, and the administration will continue to prioritize dataset development in areas like embodied intelligence, low-altitude economy, and bio-manufacturing.
The press conference also covered broader digital accomplishments under the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, revealing that China’s artificial intelligence patent count accounts for 60% of the global total, with notable breakthroughs in embodied robot and intelligent terminal sectors. To sustain this momentum, the National Data Administration plans to introduce more than 10 new institutional frameworks this year, including data property rights, and expand data circulation node cities to approximately 50 by year-end, covering 80% of China’s provinces and autonomous regions. These efforts are part of a systemic strategy to optimize data market environments and foster industrial clusters, as demonstrated by the ongoing “Data Elements ×” initiative, which has attracted over 2,000 entities, including data exchanges and developers.
In terms of infrastructure, China has established 25 urban nodes in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, and deployed data infrastructure architectures in 16 provincial-level regions, achieving full interconnection by the end of July 2025. This network is set to grow, facilitating large-scale cross-regional data flows and supporting innovations in embodied intelligence and other emerging fields. Shen Zhulin, Deputy Director of the National Data Administration, highlighted the progress in data transaction mechanisms, with mutual recognition and interoperability of data products already implemented in regions like Beijing, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, major data transaction platforms saw an addition of more than 2,600 supply and demand entities, spurring the growth of specialized data service firms, including legal and accounting practices focusing on data-related businesses.
Beyond economic and technological aspects, the digital services have profoundly benefited the public, as detailed by Chen Ronghui, another Deputy Director of the National Data Administration. China’s internet user base has reached 1.123 billion, with an internet penetration rate of 79.7%, enabling widespread access to affordable and efficient digital services. Key achievements include the expansion of smart healthcare, with online hospitals serving over 100 million patients annually, and the adoption of national medical insurance codes by more than 1.2 billion people, streamlining cross-province medical settlements for 560 million人次. In education, China boasts the world’s largest and most resource-rich national smart education platform, leading in massive open online course (MOOC) development and application. Social security digitization has also advanced, with 1.07 billion people using electronic social security cards, and regional integration in areas like the Yangtze River Delta enabling seamless “one-card” services. Additionally, digital elderly care initiatives have improved, featuring enhanced internet accessibility and a national platform for efficient resource matching.
Looking ahead, the National Data Administration will leverage data elements to amplify their impact on public welfare, focusing on digital transformation in public services, daily life, and social governance. The emphasis on embodied intelligence and embodied robot technologies will be pivotal, as these areas represent the next frontier in AI integration, requiring robust data ecosystems to drive innovation and practical applications. The administration’s commitment to building data high grounds in these sectors underscores a strategic vision to maintain China’s competitive edge in the global digital landscape.
The development of embodied intelligence and embodied robot systems relies heavily on access to diverse and high-quality datasets, which enable machines to interact with the physical world in more intuitive and adaptive ways. For instance, in industrial settings, embodied robots can utilize real-time data to perform complex tasks, while in healthcare, they assist with patient care through data-driven decision-making. The National Data Administration’s initiatives aim to accelerate these applications by fostering data sharing and standardization, thereby reducing barriers to innovation. As part of this, the administration will support pilot projects in data industry agglomerations, encouraging collaboration among academia, industry, and government to advance embodied intelligence research and deployment.
To provide a clearer overview of the data achievements, the following table summarizes key metrics related to high-quality datasets and data transactions as of June 2025:
| Metric | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of High-Quality Datasets | Over 35,000 | Datasets developed for various sectors, including healthcare and embodied intelligence. |
| Total Dataset Volume | Over 400 PB | Equivalent to 140 times the digital resources of the National Library of China. |
| Cumulative Data Transaction Value | Nearly 4 billion yuan | Reflecting growing demand for data in AI training and other applications. |
| Listed Dataset Volume on Exchanges | 246 PB | High-quality datasets available for trading on data exchange platforms. |
In the realm of artificial intelligence, China’s comprehensive strength has seen holistic and systematic improvements, with embodied intelligence and embodied robot technologies at the forefront of this evolution. The country’s emphasis on data as a core production factor has facilitated rapid iterations in AI models, contributing to advancements in humanoid robotics and smart devices. For example, embodied robots are increasingly being deployed in logistics and manufacturing, leveraging data from sensors and environments to enhance autonomy and efficiency. The National Data Administration’s push for high-quality datasets in these domains is expected to catalyze further breakthroughs, positioning China as a global leader in intelligent systems.
The institutional framework for data elements is another critical area of focus. This year, the National Data Administration will roll out more than 10 policies, including those on data property rights, to create a conducive environment for data circulation and utilization. These measures are designed to address challenges such as data ownership and security, thereby encouraging more organizations to participate in the data economy. Additionally, the expansion of data circulation node cities to 50 by the end of 2025 will enhance connectivity and data flow, supporting regional development and innovation hubs focused on embodied intelligence. This infrastructure backbone is vital for scaling up data-driven applications, from autonomous vehicles to smart cities, where embodied robots play an integral role in daily operations.
Public engagement in the digital economy has been remarkable, with data from the conference showing that digital services are becoming more inclusive and accessible. The widespread adoption of internet-based platforms has transformed how people access healthcare, education, and social services, contributing to a more equitable society. For instance, the national smart education platform offers a vast array of courses, making quality education available to remote areas, while digital social security systems simplify administrative processes. In elderly care, digital solutions like one-click customer service and online platforms have improved the quality of life for seniors, demonstrating the tangible benefits of data integration. The National Data Administration’s future plans include deepening these transformations, with a focus on using data to address societal challenges and enhance well-being.
As China continues to advance its digital capabilities, the emphasis on embodied intelligence and embodied robot technologies will be crucial for sustaining innovation and economic growth. The National Data Administration’s strategic initiatives, such as the development of data high grounds and the optimization of data markets, are set to create a fertile ground for experimentation and adoption. By prioritizing data quality and accessibility, China aims to not only enhance its technological prowess but also set global standards for data-driven development. The ongoing efforts underscore a commitment to harnessing data for the greater good, with embodied intelligence serving as a key pillar in this transformative journey.
In summary, the press conference highlighted China’s significant strides in digital construction under the “14th Five-Year Plan,” with a clear roadmap for future growth centered on data elements. The National Data Administration’s focus on embodied intelligence and embodied robot technologies reflects a forward-looking approach to leveraging data for advanced AI applications. Through systemic reforms, infrastructure expansion, and public-private collaborations, China is poised to unlock the full potential of data, driving progress across industries and improving the lives of its citizens. The coming years are expected to see accelerated innovation in these areas, solidifying China’s position as a global digital powerhouse.