At the 2026 World Digital Education Conference in Hangzhou (11–13 May 2026), China’s Ministry of Education launched an upgraded version of the Smart Education of China platform, now accessible in approximately 220 countries and regions. The upgraded platform adds a lifelong learning hub and a Chinese language learning community, extending its remit beyond compulsory schooling to the general adult population. The platform hosts publicly funded AI literacy and digital education content freely accessible to Chinese citizens and international users.
The launch was accompanied by an initiative on AI education calling for better use of AI to support well-rounded and sustainable human development, and the release of a report documenting China’s policy progress and innovative practices in smart education.
Who it affects: All citizens with internet access — particularly adults and workers seeking publicly funded AI literacy content outside the formal school system.
What is notably missing: The platform does not carry a statutory entitlement for citizens to receive AI literacy training; provision is administratively driven rather than legally binding. Content quality and accessibility in rural and lower-connectivity areas remain untested in available reporting.