China generates an unmatched volume of data, but this article highlights a critical paradox: massive data does not equal meaningful intelligence.
While the country has the raw "fuel," it is currently choked by unstructured formats, isolated legacy systems, and quality issues that act as barriers rather than catalysts.
The strategic takeaway is clear: the next phase of the AI race won't be won by who has the most data, but by who has the most governed, clean, and interoperable data foundation.
China is now pivoting to treat data quality not as an IT fix, but as a national strategic imperative—a move that defines whether they will lead or just lag in reliable AI deployment.