China is betting big on artificial intelligence, positioning it as a key driver for long‑term economic growth. Forecasts indicate that AI could add several trillion yuan to the economy by 2035, underpinned by strategies to boost computing power and integrate a unified data market.
At the recent China Computing Power Conference in Datong, Shanxi, experts outlined the vision of a national computing network expanding across 10 provinces and municipalities—from the vibrant hubs of Shanghai and Zhejiang in the east to Qinghai and Xinjiang in the west. This coordinated platform aims to align business needs with underutilised resources, ensuring no potential goes unnoticed.
State broadcaster CCTV highlighted that more than 100 service providers, 1,000 industry users, and nearly 100 AI models are already on board. Over the past five years, China has ramped up its investment in computing capabilities, with smart computing power projected to leap by 43% this year according to estimates from the International Data Corporation and Inspur Information.
Boosting self‑reliance, the nation has also directed funds into data centres and chip development, yielding an annual computing capacity increase of about 30%. Rao Shaoyang from the China Telecom Research Institute noted that AI might eventually add over 11 trillion yuan to China’s GDP by 2035.
Looking forward, smart computing power is set to grow at a compound annual rate of 46.2% from 2023 to 2028, far outpacing the anticipated 18.8% growth rate for general‑purpose computing power. This shift not only modernises technological infrastructure but also simplifies the journey for businesses looking to tap into new markets.
If you’ve ever struggled with optimising resources in a fast‑paced market, you’ll find reassurance in China’s unified approach. This coordinated push offers a practical path to harnessing the full potential of AI, setting a steady course in a dynamic digital landscape.
