China Launches National Data Group to Support AI

China inaugurated China National Data Group on Tuesday as a centrally administered state owned enterprise, according to Quartz. Headquartered in Xiongan New Area in Hebei province, the company brings China's number of centrally administered state owned enterprises to 100.

The group will develop, consolidate and operate data resources at the national level. Its mandate includes connecting data infrastructure, providing national data services and promoting data sharing across industries and regions to support AI.

Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who led the inauguration, said the group would help China capitalize on AI development opportunities, Bloomberg reported. Beijing is also discussing a plan to direct 2 trillion yuan ($295 billion) toward AI data centers over five years, with at least 80% of hardware and software from Chinese vendors; the blueprint is still in early discussions.