Why China Cares About Data Centers in Arkansas
The article argues that China may be seeking to slow U.S. data center development as part of the global artificial-intelligence competition. It highlights Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton’s request that the Justice Department investigate possible Chinese influence through U.S. nonprofits and examines grant funding received by the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation, which has opposed data center-related legislation.
The article links data center construction in Arkansas and other states to the U.S.-China competition over artificial intelligence, warning that efforts to slow development could have national-security and economic consequences. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton has urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate alleged Chinese efforts to influence opposition to American data centers through nonprofit organizations.
It focuses on the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association and the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation, which share leadership, board members and an address. The article says the association opposed legislation viewed as important to data center construction, while the foundation received at least $1.3 million in grants from the U.S. Energy Foundation between 2019 and 2024, representing at least 69% of its grant funding during that period.