In a significant move towards integrating technology with law, China’s highest court has vowed to step up protections for artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property in the coming year.

This commitment was articulated by Chief Justice Zhang Jun during the Supreme People’s Court’s annual work report, presented to the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Saturday.

Zhang emphasized the court’s support for the lawful application of artificial intelligence, stating that the court aims to ‘protect innovation strictly in accordance with the law.’

He remarked, ‘Measures were taken to punish infringements using AI technology, promoting orderly and regulated development.’

The Chinese government is keen on utilizing AI technology to ascend the industrial value chain and mitigate the impact of technological restrictions imposed by Western nations, particularly the United States.