China’s GenAI market continues to heat up as Beijing records more LLM filings

The latest batch of GenAI services registered in Beijing included large language models from Zhipu AI and Xiaomi affiliate Rigo Design

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The level of generative artificial intelligence activity in Beijing reflects its position as home to some of the country’s major players in the field – including Baidu, Zhipu AI and Moonshot AI. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 8:30pm, 27 Dec 2024

Beijing added 11 new generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) services set for public release, as the nation’s capital continues to burnish its reputation as the country’s leading hub for the technology’s development.

The new batch of GenAI services registered with the Beijing branch of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) included large language models (LLMs) developed by local start-up Zhipu AI and Rigo Design, an affiliate of smartphone giant Xiaomi, according to an announcement on Friday from the mainland’s internet regulator.

The CAC said its Beijing branch has approved a total of 105 LLMs as of Friday.

GenAI refers to algorithms that are used to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations and videos. LLM is the technology underpinning ChatGPT and other applications.

The level of GenAI development activity in Beijing reflects its position as home to some of the country’s major players in the field – including Baidu, Zhipu AI and Moonshot AI – as well as the nation’s most prestigious universities, where a large number of tech researchers can be found.

Signage of Beijing-based Baidu seen at the World artificial intelligence Conference, which is held annually in Shanghai. Photo: Reuters

Beijing has also been the most active in China in terms of LLM approvals. According to CAC data, more than 309 GenAI products developed by domestic tech companies have received approvals for their LLMs as of November. Beijing led the pack with a total of 96 approvals.