China monetizes computing power via tokens

Wuxi building 'token factory', taking lead to accelerate AI services into market

BEIJING — Behind every artificial intelligence breakthrough lies raw computing power. China, staying true to its characteristically pragmatic approach, is now racing to industrialize it.

Recent developments offer a striking glimpse of this trend. In Jiangsu province's Wuxi — a manufacturing powerhouse near Shanghai — electronics firm HON-Flex signed an agreement with the local government to build what they call a "token factory". Days later, China Telecom and China Mobile, the country's two telecom giants, began selling "token packages" directly to consumers, with entry-level plans starting at just 9.9 yuan ($1.46) a month.