Abstract: The reshaping of the global economic, security, and governance landscape by artificial intelligence (AI) depends fundamentally on the construction of comprehensive infrastructure. AI infrastructure is manifested at the physical level as domestic infrastructure development and, at the symbolic level, represents a nation's technological powers and governance philosophy on the international stage. At the domestic level, China's AI infrastructure development is structured around the “East Data, West Computing” strategy. Through optimized spatial layout, coordinated resource allocation, and strengthened technological foundations, it plays a significant role in economic transformation, regional balance, technological self-reliance, and the establishment of governance benchmarks, thereby contributing to the formation of strong-nation symbolism. At the international level, China has achieved a triple international effectiveness of “deterrence,” “attraction,” and “regulation” by transforming its AI technological strength into political symbols and promoting the generation of AI infrastructure diplomatic computing power through a three in one practical path. The global strategic implications of AI infrastructure are essentially the transformation of technological power into institutional power. China's AI infrastructure construction has formed a symbolic linkage effect of“trusted international suppliers—legitimacy of construction”, playing the roles of challenger, shaper, and competitor in the international digital order.

Key words: artificial intelligence infrastructure, “East Data, West Computing”, scenario-driven, “Global South” countries, global computing power governance