China Launches Central State-Owned Data Group to Consolidate AI Infrastructure

China inaugurated the National Data Group on Tuesday, a newly created state-owned enterprise directly administered by Beijing's central government, as part of a sweeping effort to consolidate fragmented data resources and accelerate artificial intelligence development. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the formal establishment of China National Data Group Co. in Xiongan, an emerging city about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative at the highest levels of government.