Blueprint to Action Chinas Path to AI-Powered Industry Transformation 2025

2.1 Strategic infrastructure investments to support AI scaling China’s advanced information and communication technology infrastructure, including extensive 5G networks, high-capacity data centres and robust cloud computing facilities, has provided a solid foundation for AI advancement. The widespread deployment of 5G networks, facilitates high-speed, low-latency communication and is essential for large- scale AI model training, efficient data processing and real-time AI applications. The number of data centres in the country has also grown rapidly, with over 8.1 million standard racks nationwide, as has China’s computing power – at 230 exaflops (EFLOPS), it’s the second-most globally.16 In terms of computing power, companies and governments are exploring public computing service centres to maximize efficiency by leveraging underused computing resources across organizations. AI infrastructure, including computing power and technology platforms, is actively promoted for such shared use. By tapping into shared data and computing resources, small- and medium-sized companies and research institutions can engage in cost- effective AI model development and applications. These shared resources can be tailored to specific application needs, too. For example, intelligent transport requires low-latency computing for real-time monitoring and data analysis, while smart manufacturing demands highly precise computing capabilities. This flexible management of computing resources enables effective support for AI applications across diverse scenarios. In 2023, China Mobile launched the BaiChuan computing power grid platform, building on the 2021 computing power network concept. It integrates supercomputing, quantum computing, and more, collaborating with data centres and cloud providers to exceed 3.3 EFLOPS in capacity.17 The initiative consolidates fragmented computing resources into a unified network, making temporary borrowing of computing power common in Zhejiang Province. By effectively coordinating these resources, China Mobile is using this coordination to establish a new computing power service system.18CASE STUDY 1 China Mobile’s BaiChuan platform – building a unified intelligent computing power network China’s advanced information and communication technology infrastructure has provided a solid foundation for AI advancement. Blueprint to Action: China’s Path to AI-Powered Industry Transformation 12