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China Unicom, one of China’s largest state-owned telecommunications operators, is rapidly transforming into an “AI-first” enterprise. Under Chairman Chen Zhongyue, the company has committed to fully integrating AI into its cloud computing and network operations, with a planned 28% year-on-year increase in AI-related computing investment for 2025. It has established an AI Innovation Center and China Unicom Data Intelligence Co., Ltd., while building a nationwide AI computing network with over 300 training/inference clusters delivering more than 17 exaflops of power. 

The company has released multiple large language models, including UniAI™ 2.0 for general applications and Yuanjing™ for network security and data governance. AI-enabled products span cloud phones, Internet-of-Vehicles platforms, and IoT solutions, alongside operational deployments in manufacturing, ports, and cybersecurity. AI is credited with accelerating garment design, reducing defect rates in appliance manufacturing, and enhancing port safety. 

Unicom Cloud’s AI-driven services achieved 17.1% year-on-year revenue growth, and AI-powered telecom fraud detection and cross-domain cybersecurity platforms have been unveiled. Workforce investments include targeted AI training, competency certifications, and special wage budgets for AI talent. While the company strongly aligns with national AI ambitions, it has not publicly emphasized AI ethics frameworks, focusing instead on infrastructure expansion, product innovation, and industry-specific AI applications.