Xinhua plans 1.1 billion yuan AI project to promote Xi Jinping Thought

Xinhua plans to invest more than 1.1 billion yuan ($162.38 million) in an AI system designed to help users learn, research, and cite Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, according to filings on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

The project, called Xinhua Yudian, will draw on the state news agency's own text collection to generate politically aligned answers and verify references in official writing.

Project goals The AI will also deliver current affairs and political news to users facing information overload and uncertainty about sources. Company statements describe the tool as a way to spread the party's message across different sectors of society.

Earlier efforts The plan follows China's March launch of an "AI+" initiative to expand artificial intelligence use throughout the economy. It also continues earlier digital campaigns, including the 2019 propaganda app Xuexi Qiangguo, which briefly became the top app on Apple's China store.