China is witnessing a rapid rise in the use of AI tokens, fundamental units that power artificial intelligence services, heralding the emergence of a token-based economy that transforms how AI is priced, delivered, and commercialized.
- Daily AI token consumption increased more than 1,000-fold in two years.
- AI tokens now serve as a key production factor linking technology and commerce.
- Companies like China Unicom and Huawei report significant efficiency gains from AI token-driven services.
What happened
Chinese technology experts revealed at the China Internet Conference that the rapid growth in AI token use is spawning a new token economy. Tokens, which are basic units for AI data processing and generation, have transcended their technical origins to become a foundational element in delivering and charging for AI services.
The surge is quantifiable: daily token use has risen from approximately 100 billion in early 2024 to over 140 trillion tokens by March 2026. This exponential growth is fueled by businesses increasing their integration of AI solutions for productivity improvements and automation.
Why it matters
AI tokens represent more than just computational units; they have become a critical production factor that links AI model capabilities, computing infrastructure, and commercial application. This development signals a shift in how AI services are valued and monetized in China’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Leading companies, including China Unicom and Huawei, attribute significant operational efficiency and cost savings to AI token-driven services. For example, Huawei cites improvements such as a 70 percent gain in document drafting efficiency and large-scale AI handling of customer service calls, indicating tangible economic benefits from this new model.
What to watch next
As China continues to prioritize AI integration across sectors, further expansion of the token economy is expected. Stakeholders will monitor how AI tokens influence pricing, resource allocation, and service delivery models as the country pushes for broader digital and AI adoption.
The upcoming years will also reveal regulatory and infrastructure decisions that could shape token economy dynamics, including data governance, cybersecurity, and energy coordination. Industry and government efforts at the intersection of AI, digital economy, and policy will be critical to sustaining this momentum.