China builds national computing network as AI token demand surges

China is accelerating the construction of a national computing power network, framing computing power as critical infrastructure akin to mobile data. Daily AI token calls in China exceeded 140 trillion in March 2025, a thousandfold increase from early 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Telecom firms are rolling out mass-market packages for tokens, similar to early mobile data plans. Rising AI model costs are straining developers and businesses, echoing the early mobile internet era before 4G and 5G networks made data cheap and accessible. The State Council recently called for stronger planning of six key networks, and the National Development and Reform Commission expects investment in these networks to surpass 7 trillion yuan (US$1 trillion) this year.