China Plans to Invest 2 Trillion Yuan in National AI Computing Network Over Five Years, Domestic Chip Share May Exceed 80%

Odaily reported that, according to sources cited by Bloomberg, China is planning to invest approximately 2 trillion yuan (about $295 billion) over the next five years to build a nationwide artificial intelligence data center and unified computing network, aiming to promote the development of its domestic AI industry and enhance independent computing capabilities.

According to the report, the National Development and Reform Commission and other departments are formulating a blueprint to build an interconnected national computing hub system. State-owned enterprises such as China Mobile and China Telecom will be responsible for operating the major data centers. The plan requires that at least 80% of key technologies, including AI chips, be sourced from domestic suppliers, including solutions from companies like Huawei, thereby reducing dependence on American manufacturers such as Nvidia and AMD.

This plan is seen as one of China’s most aggressive actions in AI infrastructure construction to date and is a key component of the "Six Networks Construction" strategy proposed this year. Sources revealed that project funding will primarily come from ultra-long-term special government bonds and national strategic industry investment funds, supplemented by bank loans and social capital.

The report points out that China aims to achieve interconnection of decentralized data center resources nationwide by 2028, promoting the large-scale application of AI in fields such as healthcare, transportation, and urban governance. If grid upgrades and communication infrastructure construction are included in the overall plan, the total related investment scale could exceed 5 trillion yuan. (Bloomberg)