Mapping China's <scp>AI</scp> Policy Landscape: A Triple‐Lens Approach Using Policy Tools

ABSTRACT The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping societal operating paradigms. Employing a three‐dimensional framework—Policy Instruments, Information Lifecycle, and Governance Actors—grounded in policy instrument theory and the information lifecycle model, 78 Chinese AI policy documents (570 units) were systematically coded. Findings show a balanced distribution across supply‐, demand‐, and environment‐oriented tools, yet notable differences at the subcategory level. Policies focus most on information transmission and use, less on processing, and least on generation and storage. Governance primarily targets providers and facilitators, with limited attention to users. Cross‐dimensionally, environmental tools dominate, especially for providers and users, while supply tools are prevalent for facilitators. No significant differences are found in actor participation across lifecycle stages. The analysis offers evidence‐based recommendations for optimizing China's AI governance system.