Odaily Planet Daily reports, citing Bloomberg and sources familiar with the matter, that China is planning to invest approximately RMB 2 trillion (about $295 billion) over the next five years to build a nationwide artificial intelligence data center and unified computing power network, aiming to boost domestic AI industry development and enhance self-reliant computing capabilities.
Reports indicate that the National Development and Reform Commission and other relevant departments are developing a strategic blueprint to build an interconnected national computing power hub system, with state-owned enterprises such as China Mobile and China Telecom responsible for operating major data centers. The plan requires that at least 80% of key technologies, including AI chips, be sourced from domestic suppliers, such as solutions from Huawei, to reduce dependence on U.S. companies like NVIDIA and AMD.
This initiative is regarded as one of China’s most aggressive efforts to date in building AI infrastructure and a key component of the “Six Networks” strategy introduced this year. According to informed sources, funding for the project will primarily come from ultra-long-term special government bonds and national strategic industry investment funds, supplemented by bank loans and private capital.
The report states that China aims to achieve interconnectivity of distributed data center resources nationwide by 2028, promoting large-scale AI applications in fields such as healthcare, transportation, and urban governance. If grid upgrades and communication infrastructure development are incorporated into the overall planning, the total related investment could exceed RMB 5 trillion. (Bloomberg)