China targets leadership in automotive AI and EV regulation

Beijing [China], May 28: China is seeking to expand its influence over the future of the global auto industry through a sweeping regulatory blueprint covering core technologies ranging from vehicle chips, AI and batteries to autonomous driving and low-carbon development.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Tuesday released its 2026 work plan on automotive standardisation, outlining measures to tighten technical requirements as part of efforts to reinforce China's dominance in electric vehicles (EVs) and automobile manufacturing.
The plan called for completing a blueprint for the industry's standards system during the 15th five-year plan period. Among the priorities were rules governing the growing use of artificial intelligence in vehicles, including testing and security requirements for AI models used in automated driving systems.
It also urged the development of guidelines for large automotive models and end-to-end AI systems - technologies that carmakers are increasingly adopting to support advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving capabilities.
The ministry also pledged to accelerate the development of standards for automotive chips, while stepping up work on battery safety, charging systems and solid-state batteries.
Beyond the domestic front, the plan underscores China's ambition to play a greater role in international rule-making.
The ministry said it would deepen participation in UN automotive regulations, including rules on autonomous driving, electric vehicle safety and battery durability.
It would promote new international standards, it added, while helping to establish an international automotive science and technology organisation, expanding cooperation and supporting Chinese carmakers in navigating overseas markets.According to a report published by the overseas edition of the state-run People's Daily in August 2025, China was leading or developing nearly 50 international standards in areas such as electric vehicles, intelligent connected vehicles and vehicle safety.
In the same report, An Tiecheng, chairman of the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre, said the country's automotive industry had entered "a new stage of development" and that there was an urgent need to develop global standards and strengthen international cooperation.
Source: Qatar Tribune