The Impact of AI on China’s Workforce
AI jobs in China are rapidly transforming the nation’s employment landscape. When software engineer Fei Zhaojun’s boss asked if artificial intelligence could replace human coders, Fei didn’t expect that, only two weeks later, he and 160 of his colleagues would be laid off in Beijing. This scenario is becoming increasingly common as AI adoption, driven by robust government policies, sweeps through China’s massive job market.
With the world’s second-largest economy at stake, experts are debating the long-term consequences of this technological shift. While some see a productivity boost, others warn that widespread layoffs could undermine economic stability and social cohesion.
AI Adoption Accelerates Across Industries
China is at the forefront of integrating AI into everyday business operations. Government initiatives encourage both individuals and enterprises to embrace AI-powered applications and robotics. As a result, workers like Fei Zhaojun must adapt to a landscape where AI jobs in China are increasingly prevalent.
Shujing He, a senior analyst from advisory firm Plenum, points out, “There appears to be far less anti-AI sentiment in China than elsewhere. Most people are either positive, neutral, or mildly interested in AI.” Those concerned about job security are often open to experimenting with AI-driven businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting a unique approach to technological change.
Fei, for example, is now creating short vlog-style videos about ordinary life while considering his next steps. Although his new venture isn’t yet financially rewarding, he hopes it can inspire others navigating similar transitions.
The Changing Nature of Work
The disruption extends beyond software development. Du Qinchun, a part-time translator in Chengdu, has recently been training AI models for translation—a task that has temporarily provided more work but at lower pay. “The pay in the industry has been cut by more than half compared to previous years,” Du notes. As AI-powered translation tools become ubiquitous, traditional language programs have lost their appeal among college students.
Data from IDC reveals that the share of Chinese industrial enterprises using AI models and agents surged from 9.6% in 2024 to 47.5% the following year. Yanze Du, an IDC senior research manager, attributes this jump to China’s vibrant open-source model ecosystem, which is closing the gap between AI capabilities and real-world enterprise value.
AI-driven robots are already sorting parcels at postal centers and even performing human-like tasks such as directing traffic and making coffee. Delivery robots are also on the rise, posing a threat to millions of food delivery workers. Meanwhile, generative AI is transforming the short drama industry, automating content creation and reducing demand for human creators.
Risks and Opportunities for Workers
According to Plenum’s He, “Tasks that once required specialized training can now be performed by almost anyone with access to AI tools. This is particularly evident in software development and multimedia creation.” As a result, workers whose roles are narrowly focused in these areas face higher risks of displacement as AI jobs in China become more common.
Women, in particular, are vulnerable to automation, especially in sectors like electronics assembly, according to a report by the International Labor Organization. The underrepresentation of women in science and technology further exacerbates this risk.
Government Policy and Economic Implications
China’s “AI Plus” initiative and its five-year plan through 2030 are designed to infuse AI across all industries, giving China a competitive edge in its technological rivalry with the US. Zilan Qian, a research associate at Oxford China Policy Lab, notes, “The government is actively promoting the diffusion of AI across the economy, which may accelerate adoption compared to other countries.”
However, the rapid rise of AI jobs in China comes with economic challenges. As consumer spending lags due to job insecurity and a struggling housing market, China’s overall urban unemployment is around 5%, but for those aged 16 to 24 (excluding students), the rate is triple. Eswar Prasad of Cornell University warns that, while AI boosts productivity, it could disrupt employment and social stability if not managed carefully.
Adapting to the New Reality
Despite the challenges, some workers are leveraging AI to carve out new roles. Wang Zhicheng, a former scriptwriter, now operates independently, creating illustrated children’s books. He acknowledges that AI tools sometimes expedite the writing process but emphasizes the importance of human creativity and decision-making.
Educators like chemistry teacher Yang Zheng are less concerned about AI as a threat, seeing it as a tool that helps students with their learning. “It’s a good thing for students as it generates in real-time so they can ask follow-up questions. It often gets things wrong, but it improves over time,” Yang says.
The Future of AI Jobs in China
Looking ahead, experts suggest that as China’s population ages and the workforce shrinks, automation could help offset labor shortages. By 2050, the ratio of working-age adults to retirees is projected to drop significantly. Professor Xuenan Cao of San Francisco Bay University suggests that automation may be more of a necessity than a threat, potentially stabilizing employment in the long term.
As AI continues to reshape the job market, adaptability and lifelong learning will be key for workers seeking to thrive in the era of AI jobs in China.
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