360 Security Technology plans to cut its entire marketing team using AI. Founder Zhou Hongyi revealed in a Weibo video that the company aims to save tens of millions annually by replacing marketers with a generative AI tool set to launch Wednesday. Zhou will reportedly hold a press conference alone in five days, powered by this AI agent.
Zhou, with nearly 12 million Weibo followers, claims the AI plus search tool will handle marketing duties solo. The video hit over 191,000 views fast, highlighting growing cost-cutting moves via AI in China’s tech space.
The announcement fits a wider trend. U.S. giant Citi is cutting 3,500 tech jobs in China by October. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned AI could drive 10–20% unemployment in 1–5 years. China’s Meituan says AI generated 52% of new code by May, almost double from March. 
AI skills are becoming mandatory. HangHang AI COO Shu Weibing says students without AI know-how “will struggle to get a job.” His company launched a “Global AI” platform to fund early-stage AI projects. It has 70 investors backing 50 projects, targeting 1,000 over three years.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Finance allocated $9.29 billion in subsidies for employment. The government is also piloting robot use for elder care.
Economic growth is slowing with a shrinking labor market and rising job fears, despite strong state support. Goldman Sachs flags weak jobs, especially in construction and small businesses, predicting potential stimulus in coming months.
"I’m planning to get rid of 360 [Security Technology’s] entire marketing department. This way the company can save tens of millions a year," Zhou Hongyi said.
China’s AI push is reshaping jobs fast. The marketing team cuts at 360 Security are only the beginning.
