With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), global trade and global innovation are changing in time. China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are promoting regional integration through a growing number of AI-powered projects, especially in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
From real-time logistics systems at the Friendship Pass to regional AI innovation centers, Guangxi is increasingly becoming a foundation for China-ASEAN technological collaboration.
AI Revolutionizes Cross-Border Trade and Logistics
At the heart of the transformation is Guangxi’s Friendship Pass, China’s largest land port with ASEAN. Once reliant on manpower, customs operations are now augmented by AI-driven surveillance and cargo inspection systems.
Elsewhere in Pingxiang, AI cameras monitor cargo movement in real-time, minimizing discrepancies and improving security. In Nanning, Guangxi Beitou IT Innovation Technology Investment Group has deployed AI to monitor truck driver fatigue, supporting over 10,000 drivers since June 2024.
ASEAN-Specific AI Tools Take Center Stage
Guangxi’s companies are also addressing linguistic and cultural barriers. Guangxi Daring Technology Co., Ltd. developed an AI language model fine-tuned for Vietnamese and other ASEAN languages, enabling faster, more accurate translations with reduced computational load.
The use of live stream speech data to build ASEAN language corpora is another example of how tech innovation is fostering deeper cultural and trade ties.
China-Laos and China-Malaysia AI Partnerships Gain Momentum
Guangxi’s strategy includes building bilateral AI innovation centers. In February 2025, Guangxi and Laos launched the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center, the first of its kind between China and an ASEAN country. Over 10 Letters of Intent have been signed to boost AI development and data sharing.
In April, Beitou partnered with MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG) of Malaysia to develop a similar center. Their first major project will introduce mutual digital ID recognition, allowing Malaysian users to access services in China via “MyDigital ID” and vice versa.
Nanning Bets Big on AI Industrial Clusters
The regional capital, Nanning, is positioning itself as an AI powerhouse. In March 2025, the Wuxiang Cloud Valley AI Intelligent Computing Industrial Park launched to provide scalable AI computing power and support custom model R&D for ASEAN industries in agriculture, apparel, electronics, and more.
According to Dong Weijun, the park’s head, the goal is to promote the shared use of core AI resources and foster vibrant cross-industry innovation.
China-Singapore Cooperation Drives Next-Gen AI Hub
The AI Innovation Center at the Nanning International Science and Technology Industrial City, a joint China-Singapore initiative, has broken ground. Spanning 70 square kilometers, the center focuses on AI, new energy, and health tech.
Nanning has already unveiled a 22-point policy package promoting industrial clusters, open data governance, and ASEAN tech cooperation.
Guangxi’s Department of Industry and Information Technology aims to grow AI-related output beyond 100 billion yuan ($13.9 billion) by 2027, securing Guangxi’s position as the premier AI hub for ASEAN.
Conclusion
As China and ASEAN double down on technological collaboration, Guangxi stands at the forefront of the region’s AI-powered future. From smart logistics and language translation to digital identity platforms and joint industrial parks, the region is becoming a living lab for AI-led regional integration.
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