TikTok parent ByteDance has drawn up plans to invest about $23 billion (160 billion yuan) in artificial intelligence infrastructure in 2026. The spending, focused on advanced semiconductors and global data centers, underscores China’s push to narrow the gap with US tech giants in the AI race.
ByteDance Ltd, the Beijing-based technology giant and owner of TikTok, is preparing one of its largest capital expenditure programs to date, allocating nearly $23 billion in 2026 towards AI infrastructure. The move highlights the intensifying competition between Chinese and US
technology companies in developing large-scale AI models and applications.
Key Highlights
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ByteDance plans to spend 160 billion yuan ($23 billion) in 2026, up from 150 billion yuan in 2025
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Nearly half of the budget will be directed toward acquiring advanced semiconductors, critical for AI training and deployment
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The company is also expected to expand overseas data centers to support global AI operations
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This investment reflects ByteDance’s ambition to strengthen its AI capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technology providers
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The spending aligns with broader Chinese tech strategies to accelerate innovation and compete with US leaders in AI infrastructure
ByteDance’s aggressive investment signals its determination to remain a dominant force in the global AI ecosystem, positioning itself for long-term growth in both consumer and enterprise applications.
Sources: Financial Times, The Economic Times, Investing.com