Alibaba shares surge as China plans to boost AI in manufacturing

January 12, 2026 10:52 AM EST

Investing.com -- Alibaba shares are gaining over 9.3% in U.S. trading on Monday as China announced plans to accelerate the integration of digital technologies like artificial intelligence.

China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng, stated in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that the country will continue to push forward with the intelligent upgrading of manufacturing and implement an "AI+ Manufacturing" action plan.

The central government will also offer a new round of financial support for "little giant" companies in 2026 and drive companies to increase research and development investment, Li said in a separate interview with China Central Television.

China’s technology initiatives will focus on accelerating scientific and technological self-reliance while promoting new breakthroughs in future manufacturing. Key areas of focus include quantum technology, humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and 6G.

The government also plans to enhance monitoring and early warning systems for production capacity in key industries and improve production capacity management, while consolidating efforts to rectify "involution-style" competition.


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