China AI infrastructure spending projected to double by 2026

China’s artificial intelligence stakeholders, including technology giants, cloud service providers, and telecommunications firms, are projected to more than double their annual capital expenditure on AI infrastructure by 2026. According to a report by Rhodium Group, spending is expected to reach CNY 932 billion (US$139 billion) in 2026, a 103% increase from the 2025 estimate of CNY 460 billion. ByteDance is expected to be the largest contributor, accounting for approximately 50% of the total spending, followed by Tencent and Baidu.

In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has been recognized at the Hong Kong Business Technology Excellence Awards 2026 for its integrated smart city ecosystem. The award highlights the corporation’s use of an artificial intelligence-driven platform to manage its campuses. The system integrates facility management, robotics, and sustainability initiatives, contributing to a 15% reduction in energy usage through intelligent chiller systems and solar panels.