The Second Great Reform:

Authors

• Margaret Jeppesen

Keywords

economic reform, artificial intelligence, education policy

Abstract

Beginning in 1978 under Deng Xiaoping’s leadership, China launched the Great Economic Reform, also known as the Opening-up, as the nation transitioned from a centrally planned system to a market-oriented economy. In a single generation, millions were lifted out of poverty establishing China as a global economic superpower. Since then, China has placed great emphasis on maintaining a continuous economic upward trend and achieving technological self-sufficiency.

The development of artificial intelligence plays a prominent role in China’s second great reform to become a technological superpower. In 2017, President Xi Jinping introduced the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan (AIDP) —a three-stage strategy to integrate AI into Chinese society. The year 2025 serves as a key benchmark for China’s AI-driven goals, marking a period of accelerated AI adoption. China’s Ministry of Education (MOE) mandated a new AI curriculum, beginning in September 2025, for primary and secondary schools. Provided that privacy and ethical standards are maintained, China’s tiered AI education mandate yields predominantly positive outcomes at the student, educator, and national levels.

Recommended Citation

Jeppesen, Margaret (2026) "The Second Great Reform:," BYU Asian Studies Student Journal: Vol. 11, Article 2.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/asj/vol11/iss1/2