Guangdong Taps Alibaba for AI and Chip Push

Guangdong, China's wealthiest province, has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Alibaba to boost digital innovation, focusing on AI, semiconductors, and smart services. The agreement was signed on Thursday in Guangzhou, the provincial capital, with Alibaba planning to increase investments in computing power, AI models, and digital services. Provincial party secretary Huang Kunming thanked Alibaba for its support and urged the company to intensify technology innovation, R&D, and investment in the region. He highlighted synergies with energy and telecom firms to strengthen computing power and deploy AI across consumer electronics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Huang also suggested promoting local goods via Alibaba's e-commerce platforms. Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu Yongming affirmed Guangdong's core role in the company's strategy, citing its economic clout and innovation ecosystem. The deal underscores China's push for technological self-reliance in AI and chips.