Zhang Fan (R) inspects a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026.

Zhang Fan is vice general manager of China Electrical Equipment Group and a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC). Zhang believes that "artificial intelligence (AI) plus manufacturing" would be achieved through strengthening top-level design and industry guidelines. Last year, Zhang presented a suggestion on deepening integration of manufacturing and AI to promote high-quality innovative development. His suggestion was given great importance.

In January 2026, eight departments of China including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly issued a plan which outlines an ambitious push to deeply integrate AI with the manufacturing sector, foster new quality productive forces and comprehensively empower new industrialization.

Zhang stated that he will continue to concentrate on issues about the bottlenecks of data sharing in AI-driven manufacturing sector and successful experiences of leading enterprises. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Zhang Fan (R) communicates with an engineer at a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Zhang Fan introduces insulating cardboard, a key material for ultra-high voltage transformers, at a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Zhang Fan inspects a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

Zhang Fan inspects a workshop of an electrical equipment company of China Electrical Equipment Group in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 13, 2026. (China Electrical Equipment Group/Handout via Xinhua)

Zhang Fan observes an experiment at a laboratory of an electrical equipment company of China Electrical Equipment Group in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 13, 2026. (China Electrical Equipment Group/Handout via Xinhua)

Zhang Fan presides over a discussion of an experimental plan at a laboratory of an electrical equipment company of China Electrical Equipment Group in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 13, 2026. (China Electrical Equipment Group/Handout via Xinhua)