Generative AI translation lifts overseas sales of Chinese online literature industry: report

China's online literature industry has experienced a significant increase in overseas sales, largely due to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This technology enables the swift translation of Chinese web novels for foreign readers. In 2022, the sector generated 4. 06 billion yuan (US$572 million) in overseas sales, marking a nearly 40 per cent year-on-year increase. This data was revealed in a report published by Tencent Holdings-backed China Literature.

The report, supported by the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, underscored the role of technologies such as generative AI in boosting efficiency and reducing costs. These AI tools have simplified the previously labour-intensive translation process, facilitating the conversion of Chinese content into various languages for global markets. As of last year, the Chinese industry had released over 34 million online publications, some of which have been translated into more than 20 different languages and marketed in over 40 countries and regions across Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa.

The findings were unveiled at the second Shanghai International Online Literature Week, an event that convened writers, translators, scholars, and representatives from 18 countries. Since Microsoft-backed US start-up OpenAI launched ChatGPT to the public a year ago, generative AI has revolutionised many business operations, assisting users in drafting emails, summarising reports, and writing speeches. Chinese companies, ranging from Big Tech firms to AI start-ups, have since introduced similar chatbots and advocated for the use of their ChatGPT counterparts in traditional industries.