In recent months, the autonomous vehicle industry has witnessed several significant milestones. On December 18th, Beijing introduced new regulations for self-driving technology, announcing plans to launch its first designated test road. Just two days later, Xiongan New District welcomed Baidu Apollo’s autonomous driving team onto the roads. The collaboration between Xiongan and Baidu aims to promote smart transportation services, including "smart buses" and driverless solutions, through pilot projects in the region.
Baidu is widely regarded as China's leading force in autonomous driving, representing the country's highest level of innovation in this field. From a practical perspective, current Baidu vehicles operate like cautious novice drivers—careful, attentive, and always focused on the road. However, they can be overly hesitant when changing lanes or adjusting speed, sometimes braking abruptly. To truly refine their performance, these systems need more real-world exposure and continuous improvement.
The government's open-minded approach toward emerging technologies plays a crucial role in fostering innovation. For industries like autonomous driving, which remain highly debated, regulatory support is essential. On one hand, self-driving technology has the potential to revolutionize the transportation sector, boosting related industries such as automotive, logistics, and telecommunications. On the other hand, ethical and legal questions around responsibility in case of accidents still remain unresolved.
In July, Baidu CEO Li Yanhong made headlines by taking an autonomous vehicle through Wuhuan, Beijing, earning the title of "China’s first driverless car rider." However, due to the lack of clear regulations at the time, the act was not legally recognized—it violated traffic rules. While it showcased the government’s cautious support, it also highlighted the challenges of operating without a legal framework.
Five months later, Beijing released updated autonomous driving regulations, clarifying that during testing, the test driver is considered the legal operator of the vehicle. If any accident or violation occurs, the test driver will be held legally responsible. This move removed a major legal barrier for self-driving cars on public roads.
More importantly, the new rules allow for road tests in specific areas and timeframes without disrupting regular traffic. As a result, Beijing became the second city worldwide to permit real-road testing of autonomous vehicles. This is a critical step forward for China’s autonomous vehicle industry and could reshape the global landscape of self-driving technology.
Currently, China is positioned as a strong competitor to the U.S. in the autonomous vehicle space. Previously, only California allowed real-road testing, making it a hub for self-driving companies. According to a report from CITIC Securities, since 2014, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has issued over 45 road test licenses globally, with 14 Chinese or Chinese-affiliated companies accounting for 31%—far exceeding European and Asian counterparts.
Looking ahead, Baidu Apollo plans to roll out limited autonomous driving features on specific roads next year. Without Beijing’s approval, Chinese companies would have to conduct tests in California, which is costly and impractical. Now, with new regulations in place, Beijing is not only easing the burden on companies but also strengthening China’s competitive edge in the autonomous vehicle industry.
In the future, Chinese autonomous vehicles will face diverse and complex traffic environments, including tricycles, electric scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians. Unlike California, where testing conditions are more controlled, Chinese roads present unique challenges. These real-world experiences will help refine the technology and make it more adaptable.
As one of the world’s largest automotive markets, China cannot be ignored by global automakers. In the era of autonomous vehicles, conducting on-road tests in China is essential for any company seeking to enter the market. With its proactive regulatory environment, Beijing is likely to become a new center for autonomous vehicle development, attracting talent, technology, and investment from around the world.
Autonomous vehicles running on real roads reflect the growing maturity of China’s approach to innovation. By removing policy barriers and supporting technological progress, the government has created an environment where companies can experiment, adapt, and accelerate. This shift not only allows Chinese autonomous vehicle firms to collaborate with global partners but also solidifies the formation of a global “dual-horror†model in the self-driving industry, with the U.S. and China leading the way.
Dongguan Pinji Electronic Technology Limited , https://www.iquaxusb4cable.com