China Plans $295B AI Data Center Buildout as Race With US Intensifies

Key Takeaways

• China is reportedly preparing a 2 trillion yuan ($295 billion) plan to build AI data centers over the next five years
• The project would rely heavily on domestic suppliers, with Huawei expected to provide much of the AI chip infrastructure
• AI mentions in SEC filings and investor presentations hit a record 46,000 in Q1 2026, while Nasdaq launched a new economic institute focused on AI research

China is considering a plan to spend roughly 2 trillion yuan ($295 billion) on AI data centers over the next five years, according to recent reports. The proposal, which is still being discussed by government agencies, would create a nationwide network of interconnected computing hubs. This comes as Beijing looks to expand domestic AI infrastructure.

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Beijing’s AI Buildout Would Favor Domestic Suppliers

According to reports, agencies, including China’s National Development and Reform Commission, are drafting the plan. Meanwhile, state-backed firms such as China Mobile and China Telecom would operate much of the infrastructure.

The project would also give local technology companies a larger role in China’s AI supply chain. The report said officials want at least 80% of key technologies, including AI chips, to come from domestic suppliers such as Huawei. This would further reduce reliance on US chipmakers, like Nvidia and AMD.

The proposal comes as China continues to prioritize AI in its long-term economic strategy, alongside sectors such as semiconductors, robotics, and quantum computing.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, recently commented on the pace of technological change. He said future generations may judge today’s leaders by how they regulate and advance AI and crypto innovation. China could be moving in the right direction.

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AI Spending Continues to Accelerate in the US

The scale of the proposed investment stands out even against the backdrop of rising AI spending globally. Reuters reported that major US technology companies are expected to spend more than $700 billion this year on AI infrastructure and related projects.

Interest in AI is also showing up across public markets. Data from Artemis shows AI-related mentions in SEC filings and investor presentations reached a record 46,000 in the first quarter of 2026, up from 28,000 a year earlier.

Separately, Nasdaq announced the launch of the Nasdaq Economic Institute, with artificial intelligence chosen as its first major research focus. Phil Mackintosh, Chief Economist at Nasdaq, said, many of the businesses emerging around AI are being built by small teams operating in sectors that have historically delivered strong productivity gains. He noted,

“These are solo operators, and they’re forming in the sectors that have consistently delivered the strongest productivity growth. That combination is a meaningful signal for where AI’s economic impact may show up first.”

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