China Pushes Ahead with AI Tech

Huawei has announced a new AI chip cluster, the Atlas 950 SuperCluster, which it claims will be the world's most powerful by computing power for several years. The Chinese tech giant is ramping up its AI computing systems as US chipmaker Nvidia faces challenges in China. Huawei's new supernode supports 8,192 Ascend chips, and the full supercluster will use more than 500,000 chips. A more advanced version, the Atlas 960, is slated for launch in 2027 and will support 15,488 Ascend chips per node. Analysts caution that Huawei may exaggerate its technical capabilities, but its ambition to be a world AI leader cannot be underestimated. The announcement comes as China promotes homegrown alternatives to Nvidia and faces pressure from the US to cut off access to advanced semiconductors.

China showcased AI-enhanced bodycams and other public security equipment at the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, to developing nations. The exhibition featured various equipment, including facial recognition surveillance devices, firearms, and drones. A notable feature was an intelligent command centre system that incorporates a body camera with AI-assisted facial recognition, allowing police to identify and track suspects in real-time.

Huawei has unveiled a new computing cluster that can deliver world-class computing power without relying on Nvidia's advanced chips, potentially freeing China from the supply chokehold that constrains its AI ambitions. The breakthrough is seen as a significant step towards China's self-reliance in AI computing. Huawei's deputy chairman, Xu Zhijun, announced plans to launch upgraded Ascend AI chips over the next three years, competing with Nvidia and AMD. The development comes as Beijing is pressing tech giants to stop buying Nvidia chips tailored for China, which comply with US export restrictions. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed disappointment but remained patient, citing larger agendas between China and the US.