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China is emphasizing the development of high-quality industry datasets and establishing a nationwide integrated computing power network to further market-based allocation reforms of data elements. This initiative aims to foster the high-quality growth of the digital token economy, according to the head of the National Data Administration.
Recent data indicates a sharp rise in daily token usage across China, signaling that artificial intelligence (AI) development has entered a period of rapid expansion. Application scenarios are evolving from simple conversational functions to sophisticated AI agents capable of decision-making and execution, as highlighted by industry experts during a recent symposium.
The event centered on integrating the token economy into the agency’s strategic framework. Tokens serve as the foundational processing units for handling diverse types of data—including text, code, images, audio, and video. They now function as standard metrics for billing, measurement, and service quantification in AI applications, linking technological supply with business needs and supporting the implementation of AI-driven business models.
China’s AI sector has notably strengthened its competitive edge through increased availability of datasets and ongoing valuation of data elements. Industry leaders noted that the innovative development fueled by data has fostered a healthy, interactive ecosystem.
Statistics reveal that in March, the country’s average daily token transactions surpassed 140 trillion, a stark increase from approximately 100 billion at the start of 2024 and 100 trillion at the end of the previous year.
Last week, major telecom providers launched nationwide or regional token-based service packages targeting individual users, businesses, and developers. Their goal is to transform AI computational power from a resource confined to data centers into a publicly accessible service—allowing users to order and pay based on actual consumption, similar to mobile data plans.
Industry insiders believe that the entry of telecom operators into the token economy will expand access to AI for everyday consumers and deepen integration among telecommunications, computing, and AI sectors. This development is expected to generate new opportunities and foster growth within China’s digital economy.
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