China Unicom’s Sanjiangyuan data center has announced the adoption of domestically produced artificial intelligence (AI) chips, marking a significant step towards greater self-reliance in the technology sector. The decision, highlighted during a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to the data center in Qinghai province, showcases the growing capabilities of China’s AI chip industry.
According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), the data center has signed contracts with several leading Chinese AI chip manufacturers. These include Alibaba’s T-Head semiconductor unit, along with Biren Technology, MetaX, and Zhonghao Xinying. The partnerships were publicly displayed on an informational billboard at the Sanjiangyuan facility.
Premier Li Qiang’s visit to the Qinghai province data center highlights the Chinese government’s emphasis on technological autonomy and the strategic significance of developing robust domestic supply chains for critical technologies, such as AI. The integration of these Chinese-made AI chips into China Unicom’s infrastructure represents a concrete step towards achieving this goal.
This move signifies not only a boost for the domestic AI chip industry but also a potential reduction in reliance on foreign technology. The successful deployment of these chips at a major data center like Sanjiangyuan could serve as a model for other Chinese telecommunications companies, further accelerating the adoption of homegrown AI technologies across various sectors.
