Chinese Propaganda, Foreign Influence Campaign Against U.S. AI Data Centers
A report alleges a Chinese foreign influence campaign is targeting US AI data center construction by leveraging concerns over energy and water use. This campaign is linked to grassroots opposition and the proposed "AI Data Center Moratorium Act" introduced by US lawmakers. Several US senators have voiced concerns about China's role in undermining America's AI leadership.
A report by the Bitcoin Policy Institute, titled "Foreign Influence in the Campaign against American AI," alleges a three-pronged foreign influence campaign by China aimed at halting U.S. AI data center construction. The report claims Chinese state media outlets like CGTN, China Daily, and Global Times are publishing English-language pieces and videos that highlight U.S. electricity price spikes and energy demands from data centers, sometimes using satellite imagery of specific U.S. sites.
Further, the report links Neville Roy Singham’s Shanghai-based nonprofit network and the Party for Socialism and Liberation to on-the-ground organizing that has contributed to data center moratoria or blocked projects. These allegations prompted congressional letters requesting an FBI investigation. In response to these campaigns, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the "AI Data Center Moratorium Act." Sen. Sanders also hosted a Capitol Hill event on "The Existential Threat of AI," which notably included two Chinese government affiliates, Zeng Yi and Xue Lan, as panelists.
U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) have both expressed strong concerns regarding China's alleged interference. McCormick stated that China is trying to "manipulate America’s debate over AI and energy" to undermine U.S. AI dominance, while Fetterman emphasized the necessity for America to lead in AI development, opposing Sanders' call for a pause. The article also counters common criticisms about data center resource usage, noting that newer facilities often use closed-loop water cooling and generate their own electricity, suggesting a more rational perspective on their development.