China Accused of Covert Influence Campaign Against U.S. AI Data Centers, Per Senator

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, has accused China of orchestrating a covert influence campaign to hinder the development of American data centers critical to artificial intelligence (AI) advancement, according to a letter sent to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. The allegations, supported by reports from OpenAI and the Bitcoin Policy Institute, highlight growing concerns over foreign interference in U.S. technological infrastructure.

What is the Scope of the Alleged Influence Campaign?

The campaign, as described in Cotton’s letter, involves Chinese state-linked entities and U.S.-based nonprofits allegedly funded by Shanghai-based expatriate Neville Roy Singham, who congressional investigators have linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). According to the Bitcoin Policy Institute, Chinese state media outlets such as CGTN and China Daily, alongside Russia’s RT, have launched propaganda efforts targeting U.S. AI data centers and export controls. These operations, the report claims, have operated for at least five years, producing content opposing AI infrastructure and export restrictions.

OpenAI’s analysis of its platform identified two clusters of ChatGPT accounts originating in China, which were banned for promoting narratives aimed at swaying public opinion against data centers. One group spread claims that data centers raise electricity costs for households, while another criticized U.S. tariffs as efforts to dominate technology competition. The report emphasized that such activities represent a test of narratives against U.S. AI infrastructure, a cornerstone of American technological leadership.

How Are Chinese Actors Targeting U.S. AI Infrastructure?

The influence efforts reportedly include a network of U.S. nonprofits funded by Singham, who has been described by congressional investigators as a key figure in a CCP-linked operation. Cotton’s letter cited reports indicating that these groups have funneled over $2 billion into American advocacy organizations, with significant portions directed at opposing data center expansion. The senator also highlighted the role of Chinese academics in U.S. policy discussions, such as Tsinghua University professor Xue Lan, who participated in a panel hosted by Senator Bernie Sanders in April. Xue Lan’s affiliation with Beijing’s military-civil fusion strategy, which integrates academic and defense research, has raised additional concerns.

Cotton’s letter specifically called for a federal investigation into the network, noting that no entity has been charged under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). “We cannot allow foreign adversaries to extort fears and undermine our technological development,” he stated.

Why Does This Matter for U.S. AI Leadership?

Data centers are essential for training AI systems, with over 4,000 currently operational in the U.S., primarily in Virginia, Texas, and California, and 3,000 more planned. The infrastructure is central to the U.S. strategy to maintain dominance in AI amid China’s rapid advancements. While U.S. companies lead in computing power, China is reportedly ahead in data collection, a critical factor in AI development.

The issue of AI regulation was also discussed during the recent Beijing summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Cotton’s allegations come as the U.S. government faces pressure to balance technological growth with environmental and social concerns, including the energy and water demands of data centers.

What Are the Next Steps for U.S. Policy?

Cotton has advocated for “common-sense regulation” to mitigate the environmental impact of data centers while opposing foreign interference. The Senate Intelligence Committee is reportedly investigating the extent of the influence campaign, with potential implications for how the U.S. addresses foreign funding in domestic policy debates.

The situation underscores the broader U.S.-China technological rivalry, where control over AI infrastructure could shape economic, military, and diplomatic power dynamics. As both nations vie for leadership, the role of foreign influence in shaping public and policy perceptions remains a critical challenge for U.S. officials.