China Deploys 10,000-Chip AI "Brain" in Tech Race with U.S.

Alibaba has launched one of China's largest home-grown computing clusters, marking a major step in the intensifying artificial intelligence race with the United States. The e-commerce giant built the system with 10,000 of its own "Zhenwu" AI chips. It developed these semiconductors through its T-Head design unit. The project is a collaboration with state-owned China Telecom. Company officials call the cluster "fully domestic." This highlights China's push to create its own AI infrastructure without relying on foreign technology. The move comes as U.S. restrictions limit China's access to advanced chips. The powerful cluster is housed in a data center in Guangdong province. Such computing "brains" are essential for training and running complex AI models. The launch signals China's commitment to developing competitive AI technology using entirely local hardware and software.