China is experiencing a surge in generative artificial intelligence usage, with millions embracing the technology and its applications expanding across various fields, according to a report by the China Internet Network Information Center.

As of December last year, 249 million people in the country had used AI-generated products, and 302 AI-powered services were registered with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the nation's top internet regulator, the report said.

The report revealed the results of a nationwide sample survey of all segments of society, from those age 6 to the elderly, who use the internet.

Of the users, 65.4 percent were between age 20 and 39, and 47 percent held associate degrees or higher, indicating AI products are more widely used among middle-aged and highly educated individuals.

While many users rely on AI as office assistants, the report also highlighted an increasing trend of generating pictures and videos through AI services. About 78 percent of users asked questions through AI-powered platforms to seek answers or solutions, with others using the technology to integrate information and generate meeting summaries.

AI applications have expanded into areas such as literary creation, online marketing, legal consulting, software engineering and healthcare. They are also improving efficiency in traditional manufacturing sectors, the report noted, attributing the progress to policies and guidelines supporting the healthy and sustainable development of AI technologies.

Between January and September last year, nine provincial-level administrations disclosed plans or measures to promote AI-related industries, underscoring governmental support for innovation and oversight of its development.

"Amid the surge of AI, timely policies and measures encourage major funds, private capital and large enterprises to invest in the technological industry," said Zhang Xiao, deputy head of the center. "At the same time, they help balance industrial growth with security."

The report said China recorded 504 AI-related investment and financing cases in the first three quarters of last year, involving about 81.2 billion yuan ($11 billion).

China now has more than 4,500 AI-related enterprises, covering areas such as computer chips, algorithms and internet platforms, Zhang said. She praised the technology's role in industrial integration, noting its contributions to increasing agricultural output and reducing manufacturing costs by improving production tools and optimizing services.

By the end of 2024, China's internet users exceeded 1.1 billion, up 16.08 million year-on-year, according to the report.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn