Users of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in China had surpassed 700 million in number by the end of June 2026, according to a report released on Tuesday.

The penetration rate of generative AI had exceeded 50 per cent, the report by the China Internet Network Information Center noted. There had been a diversified range of application scenarios for this technology, said the report, adding that the main scenario is to use generative AI as a conversation tool. A total of 76 per cent of users employed it to answer questions, it revealed.

Noting that the potential of consumption regarding intelligent technology, with purchases of smart devices as a representative, had been unleashed at a faster speed, the report said that 38.7 per cent of internet users bought smart devices online during the past six months.

China’s first homegrown AI supercluster boasting 100,000 graphics processing units had been put into use, said the report, adding that this underpinned the country’s independent innovation regarding AI. Generative AI had been empowering in-depth industrial transformation and upgrading, making various sectors smarter, said the report. — Xinhua