@article{ART003276211},
author={Sangmin SEO},
title={The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)},
journal={Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies},
issn={1225-8539},
year={2025},
volume={32},
number={4},
pages={5-38},
doi={10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001}
TY - JOUR
AU - Sangmin SEO
TI - The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)
JO - Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies
PY - 2025
VL - 32
IS - 4
PB - Institute of Global Affairs
SP - 5
EP - 38
SN - 1225-8539
AB - This study examines China’s national artificial intelligence (AI) development strategy through the analytical lens of policy network theory, focusing on the pivotal role of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). While previous research has emphasized China’s rapid AI rise and the Sino–U.S. technological rivalry, this paper investigates the internal dynamics of policy formation and implementation. China’s policymaking operates through a dual structure combining “top-level design” and “fragmented authoritarianism.” Within this framework, the NDRC acts as a central orchestrator that designs overarching strategies, allocates critical resources such as computing power (“East Data, West Computing”) and capital (“AI Vouchers”), and coordinates inter-ministerial and central–local interactions. Conceptualizing this structure as a “centrally-managed network,” the study demonstrates that the NDRC functions as both architect and regulator of China’s techno-industrial complex, revealing how state-led coordination drives AI governance under Xi Jinping.
KW - Artificial Intelligence;NDRC;Top-Level Design;Policy Network;Fragmented Authoritarianism
DO - 10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001
ER -
Sangmin SEO. (2025). The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC). Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, 32(4), 5-38.
Sangmin SEO. 2025, "The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)", Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, vol.32, no.4 pp.5-38. Available from: doi:10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001
Sangmin SEO "The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)" Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies 32.4 pp.5-38 (2025) : 5.
Sangmin SEO. The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC). 2025; 32(4), 5-38. Available from: doi:10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001
Sangmin SEO. "The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)" Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies 32, no.4 (2025) : 5-38.doi: 10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001
Sangmin SEO. The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC). Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, 32(4), 5-38. doi: 10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001
Sangmin SEO. The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC). Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies. 2025; 32(4) 5-38. doi: 10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001
Sangmin SEO. The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC). 2025; 32(4), 5-38. Available from: doi:10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001
Sangmin SEO. "The Policy Network of China’s AI Development Strategy in the Xi Jinping Era: Structural Centrality and Governance Mechanisms of the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)" Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies 32, no.4 (2025) : 5-38.doi: 10.18107/japs.2025.32.4.001
