China’s Computing Power Network Gets a Major Upgrade: What You Need to Know About the New Interconnection Nodes

China just made a significant move in its digital infrastructure strategy.

The General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (Gongye he Xinxi Hua Bu 工业和信息化部 – MIIT) dropped an official notice about building National Computing Power Interconnection Nodes across the country.

This isn’t just another bureaucratic announcement—it’s a foundational piece of China’s broader Computing Power Interconnection Action Plan (MIIT Communications Management [2025] No. 119).

For investors, founders, and tech enthusiasts tracking China’s infrastructure plays, this is worth understanding.

Why Computing Power Interconnection Matters Right Now

Here’s the thing: computing resources are scattered across China.

Data centers exist in different regions.
Computing capacity sits idle in some places while other areas face shortages.
There’s no efficient way to move computational power where it’s needed.

That’s where interconnection nodes come in.

Think of them as central hubs that connect computing resources across different regions and industries, making the entire ecosystem more efficient and flexible.

The MIIT’s goal is straightforward: improve efficiency and service levels of public computing resources while fostering high-quality development in China’s digital economy.

The “1+M+N” Framework: How It’s Actually Structured

The system operates on a three-tier model that’s pretty elegant in its design.

The Three Layers of Computing Power Infrastructure

“1” = National Computing Internet Service Node

• Already established and operational
• Acts as the central hub for the entire network

“M” = Regional Nodes

• Deployed across areas with high demand for computing power
• Connect provincial and regional infrastructure
• Each provincial-level administrative region gets one regional node

“N” = Industry Nodes

• Specialized nodes for key industry sectors
• Focused on specific vertical markets like finance, manufacturing, or AI
• Can be applied for by individual units or consortia

What These Nodes Actually Do (Beyond the Jargon)

Regional Nodes: The Infrastructure Backbone

Regional nodes operate as unified service platforms that handle the heavy lifting.

Core functions include:

• Identity registration — making sure entities can be verified and tracked
• Interconnection scheduling — routing computing power to where it’s needed
• Data monitoring — keeping tabs on resource usage and performance
• Computing Internet Service Center — central coordination hub
• Resource aggregation — pooling computing capacity
• Computing power selection — matching demand with supply
• Identity management and operational security — protecting the system

Essentially, regional nodes are the nervous system connecting supply and demand.

Industry Nodes: Vertical-Specific Solutions

Industry nodes take a different approach.

Instead of serving a geographic region, they serve a specific industry vertical.

They provide:

• Market-oriented services tailored to sector-specific needs
• Resource aggregation and selection within their vertical
• Direct connections to regional nodes for broader network access
• Specialized security management systems for industry compliance

The idea is that a financial services computing node operates differently than a manufacturing node or an AI training node.

Industry nodes handle those nuances.

The “Three Unifieds” Principle: How Everything Stays Connected

For this entire network to work, the MIIT established a simple but powerful operating framework called the “Three Unifieds”.

#1: Unified Identity

Every node in the system gets a unique identification code from the National Node.

This ID is how entities enter the network and participate in the marketplace.

Think of it like a universal passport for computing resources.

#2: Unified Standards

Construction and interface protocols must follow standardized requirements across the board.

This ensures interoperability between different nodes and providers.

Without unified standards, the entire system would fragment.

This is actually smart infrastructure design—it prevents vendor lock-in and ensures resources can move freely.

#3: Unified Rules

Computing power transactions and scheduling operate under a consistent framework.

Everyone follows the same rulebook.

This creates predictability and trust in the system.

Who Can Apply and What They Need

Regional Node Applicants

Regional nodes require a joint application from local Communications Administrations and Industry and Information Technology departments.

Important constraint: Each provincial-level administrative region is limited to one regional node application.

This prevents redundancy and ensures focused development.

Industry Node Applicants

Industry nodes are more flexible.

They can be:

• Recommended by local authorities
• Applied for by individual units
• Applied for by consortia of companies

This structure allows private sector participation while maintaining government guidance.

Financial and Operational Requirements

To qualify, applicants need to meet specific criteria.

The MIIT clearly defines two roles:

Construction Entity Requirements

• Registered capital: minimum ¥50,000,000 RMB ($6,960,000 USD)
• Must demonstrate sustained financial capacity to support the project long-term
• This ensures applicants have the resources to actually build the infrastructure

Operating Entity Requirements

• Must hold relevant telecommunications business licenses (excluding public institutions)
• Must possess necessary facilities and personnel to run operations
• No record of major serious defaults in the last three years
• Clean track record is non-negotiable

These requirements filter for serious operators with real infrastructure and proven reliability.

The Application Timeline and Process

Interested parties need to move fast.

What You Need to Submit

• “National Computing Power Interconnection Node Construction Plan”
• Complete technical specifications
• Financial documentation proving capital requirements
• Operational capacity evidence

Critical Deadline

April 1, 2026 is the submission cutoff.

All materials must be submitted to the MIIT Bureau of Information and Communications Management (Xinxi Tongxin Guanli Ju 信息通信管理局).

As of February 6, 2026, the Ministry has begun evaluating submissions.

The Stakes of Honesty

Here’s an important detail: all materials must be authentic.

Any units providing false information will be permanently disqualified from re-application.

This is a one-strike policy.

The MIIT is making it clear they want committed, trustworthy partners.

What Happens Next

Successful applicants for regional and industry nodes will be publicly announced following rigorous review.

The evaluation criteria likely focus on:

• Technical capability and infrastructure readiness
• Financial stability and capacity
• Operational experience in telecommunications
• Alignment with national digital economy goals

What This Means for the Tech Ecosystem

• Resource efficiency for AI/ML workloads
• Lower entry barriers for data-intensive startups
• Narrowing regional computing disparities
• Creation of a national computing marketplace

This computing power interconnection initiative represents a strategic infrastructure play by China.

By creating standardized, interconnected nodes:

• AI and machine learning workloads get more efficient resource allocation
• Data-intensive startups get easier access to distributed computing
• Regional disparities in computing access narrow significantly
• Industry-specific computing needs get specialized support

For founders building in China, this means potential to tap into a national computing marketplace rather than being locked into local data centers.

For investors, it signals serious commitment to digital infrastructure as a competitive advantage.

The ¥50,000,000 RMB ($6,960,000 USD) minimum capital requirement also creates opportunity for infrastructure-focused startups with deep pockets and technical expertise.

Bottom Line

China’s National Computing Power Interconnection Nodes framework is a carefully structured initiative to maximize computing resource efficiency across regions and industries.

With clear architectural design, standardized operating principles, and specific financial requirements, the MIIT is creating the plumbing for China’s next-generation digital economy.

The April 1, 2026 deadline marks the real beginning—that’s when we’ll see which companies and consortia step up to build this critical computing power network infrastructure.

References

• Notice on Organizing the Construction of National Computing Power Interconnection Nodes – Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China
• Introduction to the Computing Power Interconnection Action Plan – China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT)
• China’s Strategic Digital Infrastructure Development Goals – State Council of the People’s Republic of China