Beijing programmer among 160 laid off as AI reshapes China's job market

Government policies push AI across programming, writing and physical tasks

Fei Zhaojun worked as a computer programmer in Beijing. His supervisor asked whether artificial intelligence could soon replace humans in coding jobs, according to a report by Associated Press journalist Chan Ho-him published Aug. 24.

Two weeks after that conversation, Fei was laid off along with about 160 colleagues from the same workplace, the AP reported.

The dismissals reflect a broader pattern in which AI, backed by government policies, is reshaping China’s labor market, according to the AP.

China stands at the vanguard of AI adoption, the AP reported, with government policies encouraging people and businesses to use AI applications and robotics across all aspects of life.

The technology’s reach extends from computer programming to script writing to physical tasks, pushing some workers out of their jobs while leaving others afraid it will happen to them, the AP reported.

Some economists believe the disruption could eventually undermine the overall strength of China’s economy — the world’s second largest — according to the AP.

Workers like Fei are figuring out how to adapt, the AP reported.