Guangxi's Strategic AI Collaboration with ASEAN: A New Era of Innovation

As a vital connection between China and the ten Southeast Asian nations, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is gearing up to significantly enhance its cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with ASEAN countries. This initiative promises to not only boost the region's technological landscape but also plays a crucial role in the broader ambition of forging a community with a shared future between China and ASEAN.

On February 23, 2025, a landmark agreement was signed establishing the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative between China and ASEAN. This collaboration seeks to harness the strengths of both regions in developing AI technologies, particularly benefiting from Guangxi's unique geographical positioning, cultural diversity, and rich linguistic resource pool.

According to Chen Gang, the Party Secretary of Guangxi, the region is ideally situated at the crossroads of the expansive Chinese market—boasting a population of 1.4 billion—and the ASEAN market, which has nearly 700 million inhabitants. This intersection not only facilitates trade and economic exchange but also serves as an ideal platform for AI development. Moreover, Guangxi's abundant energy resources and favorable government policies provide an excellent backdrop for realizing its AI ambitions.

Chen emphasized the strategic importance of AI, stating, "Those who leverage AI effectively will outperform those who do not." This principle applies not just to enterprises, but spans the entire spectrum from local regions to national advancements. To bolster this initiative, the China-ASEAN Information Harbor, a state-level digital platform, has constructed twelve terrestrial optical cables connecting Guangxi to ASEAN countries. With the impending completion of the Nanning International Telecommunications Hub, expected to be operational by late 2025, Guangxi is set to become the fastest data transmission hub for AI applications across ASEAN. This infrastructure will meet the increasing demand among ASEAN nations for robust AI data processing capabilities.

Furthermore, the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 introduces a framework for collaboration on digital economy initiatives, while Guangxi's AI industrial fund, valued at 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.38 billion), is positioned to encourage innovation. Various development zones dedicated to AI are popping up across the region, deepening ties in trade and investment, and enhancing people-to-people connections through education and cultural exchange. Indeed, Guangxi has previously hosted the China-ASEAN Expo and AI Summit multiple times, underscoring its commitment to building an interlinked AI ecosystem.

Recent outreach efforts, including the Guangxi delegation's visits to Vietnam and Laos, have yielded promising agreements on cross-border logistics data exchange and the establishment of the cooperative AI center with Laos. These interactions exemplify the potential for bilateral technological advancements tailored to each nation's linguistic and cultural landscape.

The collaboration framework envisions four main areas of focus:

1. Attracting Leading Enterprises: By inviting top AI companies from both China and ASEAN to set up R&D centers in Nanning, the region aims to create a thriving innovation network.
2. Developing Tailored Applications: Specific AI solutions for agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and logistics will be crafted to meet the distinct needs of ASEAN markets.
3. Establishing Integrated Industrial Chains: By aligning R&D efforts from major Chinese cities with application processes in Guangxi and ASEAN, a synergistic industrial environment may flourish.
4. AI Training Programs: Initiatives to provide training for officials, workers, and students from ASEAN nations will be launched to cultivate a skilled workforce proficient in AI technologies.

Through collaborative mechanisms that unite government bodies, businesses, research institutions, and the commerce sector, both Guangxi and ASEAN nations can equally access and benefit from cutting-edge AI technology and methodologies. Chen envisions this cooperation as a means to build political trust while developing an inclusive AI ecosystem that empowers industries and directly enhances the quality of life for citizens.

In conclusion, Guangxi’s ambitious plans for AI cooperation with ASEAN could herald a transformative period of innovation and economic growth for both regions, leading the way for future technological advancements with widespread positive impacts.

Zhang Li contributed to this story.