📍 Beijing, China — Chinese tech giant Alibaba is reportedly developing a new artificial intelligence (AI) chip, as China accelerates efforts to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor technology. The initiative comes amid tightening U.S. export restrictions and growing competition in the global AI sector.
The chip, which is being designed by Alibaba’s semiconductor division T-Head, is expected to support the company’s internal AI infrastructure. Sources indicate it will not be sold externally, but instead offered through Alibaba’s cloud services, allowing clients to rent computing power based on the new chip’s architecture.
The development follows recent U.S. moves to restrict the sale of advanced AI chips, including Nvidia’s Blackwell series, to Chinese firms. In response, China has reportedly instructed domestic companies to limit purchases of American-made chips, citing national security concerns.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, President Xi Jinping called for international collaboration in AI development, rejecting what he described as a “Cold War mentality.” His remarks reflect China’s broader push to frame AI as a domain for shared progress rather than geopolitical rivalry.
Alibaba’s investment in AI is part of a larger national strategy to build domestic capabilities in emerging technologies. The company has pledged ¥380 billion (approximately €45 billion) over the next three years to advance its AI initiatives.
As the global AI race intensifies, Alibaba’s new chip could play a pivotal role in shaping China’s technological trajectory and influencing the broader landscape of AI innovation.
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