More than 24 states in the US have introduced legislation on autonomous driving, whereas China is behind on the regulatory front.

However, China is aware of the problem and taking steps to close the gap. “We are building test fields and working on guidelines for open-road tests,” transport minister Li Xiaopeng said in comments reported by state broadcaster China Central Television.

Autonomous driving is increasingly seen as an amalgamation of the latest technologies, including 5G, manufacturing and new energy, said Li, adding that research was under way on self-driving ships and autonomous rail transit, as well as cars.