China has officially launched the "China National Data Group," a centrally administered state-owned enterprise whose core business centers on the development and utilization of data resources, to actively support the advancement of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, which it is cultivating as a future core national industry. Its headquarters has also been confirmed for the Xiong'an New Area in Hebei Province.

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Scene of the establishment ceremony of China National Data Group Co., Ltd. / Beijing Youth Daily (Beijing Qingnianbao)

According to Beijing sources well-versed in Chinese economic affairs on the 21st, China held an inauguration ceremony for China National Data Group Co., Ltd. in the Xiong'an New Area the previous day.

As its name suggests, the company is expected to operate with the objective of boosting the utilization of data resources and expanding their value as a factor of production going forward. In addition, it will take on the role of supporting the advancement of the AI industry and fostering a data industry ecosystem. By any measure, this can only be interpreted as an initiative to empower state-level AI industry cultivation by having a centrally administered state-owned enterprise lead the development and utilization of data, the core resource of the AI industry.

Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee ranked sixth in the party and state hierarchy, attended the ceremony that day and unveiled the corporate nameplate. In congratulatory remarks at the event, Vice Premier Ding stated, "The establishment of China National Data Group is a major decision made at an overarching and strategic level by the Party Central Committee with General Secretary and President Xi Jinping at its core," adding, "It holds significant importance in seizing opportunities in AI development, accelerating the construction of a Digital China, and securing a new competitive edge for the nation."

He continued by emphasizing, "We must streamline corporate governance alongside operation and management systems, and enhance the competitiveness of the data industry through expanded support from relevant ministries, backing from local governments, and cooperation among related enterprises." This passage can arguably be seen as reflecting an ambition to overtake the U.S., the leading power in the AI industry, in both quality and quantity.

                                                                                                            Hong Soon-do