China generative AI user base tops 700 million

China's generative artificial intelligence user base has grown to exceed 700 million as of the end of June, a figure that represents more than half of the country's population. This surge in adoption has pushed the technology's penetration rate to a record high within China. The data, released by the China Internet Network Information Centre, shows a 16% increase from the 602 million users recorded at the end of 2025, when the penetration rate stood at 42.8%. State media Xinhua reported these figures, citing the center's findings. The report also indicated that generative AI is being integrated into more settings, driven by increasing demand for smart consumer devices. Approximately 38.7% of Chinese internet users purchased smart hardware online in the preceding six months, with wearables and consumer electronics being primary entry points. Additionally, AI is playing a more significant role in industrial upgrades.