China is leveraging its vast grasslands and remote regions to accelerate artificial intelligence development, with state-backed initiatives in Inner Mongolia positioning the area as a key battleground in the tech rivalry between Beijing and Washington. The BBC explores how this underdeveloped but strategically vital region is becoming a hub for AI research, infrastructure, and data collection, offering insights into China’s broader ambitions in shaping the future of technology. With its expansive landscapes and limited population density, Inner Mongolia presents unique advantages for testing AI applications, from autonomous systems to smart agriculture. The report examines how these efforts reflect China’s push to outpace Western competitors in an increasingly polarized global AI landscape.
The BBC visits Inner Mongolia, an unlikely frontier in Beijing's AI race with Washington.
