China's Premier Li Qiang calls for power and computing resources to accelerate AI advancement

China Prioritizes Infrastructure to Support AI Advancement

China's Premier Li Qiang has issued a directive calling for enhanced coordination of power and computing resources to accelerate the nation's artificial intelligence capabilities. Speaking on Wednesday, Li Qiang, the country's second-ranking official, outlined a strategic vision that places infrastructure at the center of China's AI ambitions, according to state broadcaster CCTV 1

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. The announcement signals Beijing's recognition that computational capacity and energy supply remain critical bottlenecks in the global race for AI dominance.

Push for Scaled and Commercialized Application of AI

The Premier emphasized that China should drive the "scaled and commercialised application of artificial intelligence," marking a shift toward practical deployment rather than purely research-focused initiatives 2

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. This directive suggests the government aims to bridge the gap between AI development and real-world commercial application of AI across industries. The coordination of power and computing resources becomes essential as AI models grow increasingly complex and energy-intensive, requiring substantial computing infrastructure to train and deploy at scale.

Creating a Favorable Environment for AI Firms and Talent

Li Qiang also called for establishing a better environment for AI firms and talent, recognizing that technological advancement depends on both corporate innovation and skilled workforce development 1

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. This favorable environment for AI firms likely encompasses regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and institutional support that enable companies to scale operations efficiently. By prioritizing talent alongside infrastructure, China acknowledges that human capital remains as crucial as computational power in achieving breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.

Emphasis on International Technology Exchanges and Application Development

In a notable element of the announcement, the Premier advocated for "expanding international technology exchanges and application development," according to CCTV 2

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. This call for international technology exchanges comes amid ongoing global tensions around AI development and technology transfer. The statement may indicate China's interest in maintaining access to global AI research communities and collaborative application development projects, even as geopolitical competition intensifies. Observers should watch whether this translates into concrete policy changes or remains aspirational given current trade restrictions and technology export controls affecting Chinese AI firms.