Ahead of the 8th Global Alternative Investment Conference (GAIC), scheduled for May 21, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea, Liu Qiao sat down with BCC Global Media to deliver a clear message on the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the global economy.
Dr. Liu, one of China’s leading economists and a prominent advisor on macroeconomic and financial policy, emphasized that AI is rapidly becoming a defining driver of productivity, industrial competitiveness, and long-term economic growth. His insights come as governments and corporations around the world accelerate investments into AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and computing power.
Widely respected for his sharp economic analysis and global perspective, Dr. Liu is expected to provide high-level insights into the future of AI investment, China’s technological strategy, and the evolving global economic landscape during his keynote appearance at GAIC in Seoul.
As Washington and Beijing intensify competition over technology, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, global investors are increasingly focused on one question: how far is China willing to go in its AI push — and what does it mean for the global economy?
Few voices carry more weight on that question than Liu Qiao, Dean of the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University. Educated at Renmin University, Tsinghua University, and UCLA, Liu is regarded as one of China’s leading economists on capital markets, macroeconomic development, and corporate finance. Prior to academia, he worked at McKinsey & Company and has become a prominent voice at international economic forums.
Ahead of an investment conference in South Korea, BCC Global Media spoke with Dr. Liu about China’s accelerating AI ambitions, the economic logic behind the technology race, and how Beijing views the next phase of global competition.
BCC Global Media: Dr. Liu, global investors are increasingly watching China’s AI industry, especially after the emergence of companies like DeepSeek surprised much of the world. Many people compare the reaction to a modern “Sputnik moment.” From your perspective, how seriously is China approaching AI investment?
Dr. Liu Qiao: I think AI is now viewed as one of the most important strategic industries globally, not only in China. The fundamental issue is productivity growth. Historically, productivity has been the single most important driver of long-term economic development, and AI is increasingly seen as a key technology that can potentially transform productivity across industries.
That is why countries are investing heavily in AI-related infrastructure — computing power, semiconductors, energy systems, and digital infrastructure. The United States is doing this, China is doing this, and many other countries are trying to ensure they do not miss this technological shift.
The competition is not simply about technology companies. It is about future economic leadership.
BCC Global Media: Many outside China are surprised by the speed at which Chinese AI companies have advanced. What explains that acceleration?
Dr. Liu Qiao: China has several structural advantages. First is scale — a very large engineering and technical talent pool. Second is industrial depth. China has extensive manufacturing capabilities and increasingly sophisticated supply chains, which are important when AI moves beyond software into industrial applications.
There is also strong alignment between government priorities, universities, research institutions, and private companies. Many graduates from institutions like Peking University are now working across major Chinese technology companies, including firms such as Baidu, Alibaba Group, Tencent, and companies in electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing.
At the same time, China understands that AI development is not guaranteed to succeed. The future remains uncertain. But no country wants to be left behind in a potentially transformative technological era.
BCC Global Media: Do you believe expectations surrounding AI may be exaggerated?
Dr. Liu Qiao: There is certainly a great deal of optimism. The real question is how large the economic and social impact will ultimately be. Some expectations may prove excessive in the short term, but major technological revolutions historically reshape economies over long periods.
We are still in the early stages. AI will likely create enormous opportunities, but there will also be challenges involving employment, inequality, regulation, and social adaptation. The key issue is whether societies can manage those transitions effectively.
BCC Global Media: China-U.S. tensions remain elevated, particularly around trade and advanced technology restrictions. Compared with the first Trump administration, does China appear more prepared today?
Dr. Liu Qiao: I think Chinese businesses and policymakers have become more accustomed to geopolitical uncertainty. Over the last several years, companies have already adjusted supply chains, diversified markets, and strengthened domestic capabilities in strategic industries.
China tends to think in longer time horizons. That does not mean there are no concerns, but there is an understanding that technological competition between major economies may persist for many years. Businesses are adapting to that reality.
BCC Global Media: South Korea is also watching China very closely, particularly under a government that appears interested in stabilizing relations with Beijing. What role do you think Korea and China can play together going forward?
Dr. Liu Qiao: China and South Korea have deep economic connections, especially in manufacturing, technology, education, and trade. There are many areas where cooperation remains mutually beneficial.
I think academic exchanges, business collaboration, and technological partnerships can continue to play an important role even during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. Ultimately, economic development in Asia will depend not only on competition but also on the ability of countries to collaborate where interests align.
BCC Global Media: What message do you hope audiences in Korea take away from your upcoming speech?
Dr. Liu Qiao: I hope people recognize that AI is not simply a technology trend. It is becoming part of a much larger transformation involving productivity, industrial policy, energy systems, and global economic competitiveness.
The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: no major economy wants to miss this transition.