China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is researching and drafting policies for next-generation smart manufacturing, chief engineer Wang Weiming said at a State Council Information Office briefing on October 20 covering industrial and IT development in the first three quarters of 2026. Wang said a national advanced manufacturing conference held in September identified next-generation smart manufacturing as the main direction, aiming to make manufacturing smarter, greener and more integrated. He said the ministry is drafting supporting measures to speed the deep integration of artificial intelligence with manufacturing, according to a Securities Times report relayed by 36Kr Kuaixun.