He Lifeng Calls for More Financial Support for AI and Computing

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng called for more financial support for artificial intelligence (AI) and computing during a Shanxi tour, tying faster computing growth to electricity supply as China pursues high-quality growth and technological upgrading.

On Nov. 1-2, He visited energy, technology and renewable energy sites in Datong and Shuozhou. He urged China to expand computing resources alongside electricity supply and build out computing networks. He also called for investment to support AI adoption across industries.

He framed the infrastructure push as part of China’s effort to improve economic growth and advance technology. He also singled out coal and renewable energy as sectors where the work could have an impact. Shanxi has long been associated with coal and is seeking a broader mix of energy sources.

China’s intelligent computing capacity was 2,185 EFLOPS on June 30, 2026. One EFLOP represents one quintillion calculations per second. Projections put capacity at about 9,800 EFLOPS by 2030, more than four times the June 2026 level.

The push also aligns with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which seeks to increase domestic production and technological self-reliance. China’s national AI expansion agenda includes mechanisms to encourage investment and share risk.