China's Ministry of Education launched its "AI Empowering Education" action plan on 10 April 2026, mandating the integration of artificial intelligence across every level of the country's education system. The plan notably requires AI competency as part of teacher certification examinations, creating a structural incentive for educators to adopt the technology — a step beyond the voluntary training models used in many other countries. The move is drawing scrutiny from peers such as India, where AI teacher development relies on programmes like NISHTHA (a national in-service teacher training initiative) rather than formal certification requirements, highlighting a widening gap in how governments are institutionalising AI in public education.