Beijing-based AI startup Zhipu AI plans to expand internationally by leveraging China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The company aims to go public in October and expects the initiative’s global network to support its overseas growth.

The Belt and Road Initiative is an economic strategy connecting China with around 150 countries through infrastructure projects.

Zhipu AI is promoting its AI systems to governments worldwide for the development of localized sovereign AI agents.

The company has set up joint innovation centers in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, and also has offices in Singapore, Malaysia, the Middle East, and the UK.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Belt and road evolves from infrastructure to digital technology corridor

The BRI has transformed from its initial focus on physical infrastructure to increasingly include technology transfer and digital initiatives, creating a network for Chinese AI companies.

While originally centered on roads, railways, and ports across 70+ countries covering two-thirds of the global population, the initiative now features a significant “Digital Silk Road” component that Zhipu AI is leveraging for its expansion 1.

China has gradually increased its technology-led projects within the BRI framework, recognizing that digital infrastructure and AI systems represent strategic assets alongside traditional construction projects.

This aligns with China’s broader technology diplomacy approach, where Chinese firms have previously expanded telecommunications infrastructure (like Huawei 5G networks) through BRI partnerships.

Zhipu AI’s strategy of establishing “innovation centers” in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam demonstrates how Chinese tech companies are building on existing BRI relationships to create localized AI ecosystems.

2️⃣ Southeast Asia emerges as crucial AI battleground

Zhipu AI’s focus on Indonesia and Vietnam reflects Southeast Asia’s rising strategic importance in the global AI competition between China and the US.

The region attracted $235 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024, surpassing China, as multinational tech companies seek to diversify their presence amid geopolitical tensions 2.

Countries like Vietnam are developing into important technology hubs, with major players like NVIDIA establishing AI research centers in the country to strengthen its technical capabilities and position in the AI landscape 3.

Recent Zhipu AI developments