As the deployment of large language model (LLM) applications continues to accelerate, Tokens are becoming a fundamental building block for the global expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) services.
According to CCTV Finance, a Token is the basic unit of information used by AI large language models to process and generate content. Every stage of a model’s question answering, content generation, and reasoning requires the consumption of Tokens. By accessing AI models through APIs and other interfaces, enterprises can transform LLM capabilities into AI services for overseas markets, making Token-based service delivery the primary model for global expansion.
The industry is experiencing rapid growth. According to Xinhua News Agency, the average daily Token usage for Shantou’s overseas AI service business has increased from 100 million Tokens to tens of billions of Tokens. Meanwhile, the weekly Token consumption of China’s large language models has reached 14.19 trillion Tokens, representing a 27.49% increase from the previous period. In April this year, China’s first city-level end-to-end closed-loop validation for Token global expansion was completed in the Shantou Overseas Chinese Economic and Cultural Cooperation Pilot Zone in Guangdong Province, marking a new stage in China’s exploration of AI service globalization.
Compliance Framework Established, Security Governance Taking Shape
As LLM applications continue to scale, Token calls have become an essential bridge between model capabilities and global business scenarios. Model capabilities, intelligent services, and computing resources are gradually emerging as new forms of globally delivered digital services.
However, Token global expansion involves multiple stages, including data processing, model invocation, and network transmission. The complexity of this service chain places higher demands on security governance.
As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, Token global expansion is gradually forming a secure and well-regulated development framework. A full-process governance mechanism has been established around data circulation, following the principle of “originating from overseas and returning overseas.” Under this framework, overseas data enters designated processing zones, is processed within compliant environments, and the resulting outputs are returned overseas for use, avoiding the retention or exchange of non-compliant data.
Ecosystem Collaboration Drives Scalable Infrastructure
Token global expansion is not simply the export of a single technological capability. Instead, it relies on a complete industrial ecosystem supported by computing power, network infrastructure, security governance, and service capabilities.
On the computing side, cloud service providers such as Inspur Cloud provide the cloud computing resources and technical support required to operate AI models.
In terms of network infrastructure, major telecommunications operators including China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom play a critical role in building the underlying infrastructure. Through computing networks, intelligent computing infrastructure, and cross-border network connectivity, they provide stable and secure support for global AI services.
For data processing, models such as Digital Bonded Zones and Dedicated Data Processing Zones provide enterprises with clearly defined pathways for compliant and orderly data processing. As a pioneering pilot, the Shantou Overseas Chinese Economic and Cultural Cooperation Pilot Zone is bringing together industry resources through its industrial park ecosystem. As one of the participants in this ecosystem, Zhongheng Zhihui leverages the pilot zone’s industrial scenarios to provide foundational support for Token global expansion to enterprises within the park. By collaborating with ecosystem partners, it helps promote the healthy development of the Token industry.
Behind Token global expansion lies the joint support of computing power, network infrastructure, security governance, and service systems. Well-coordinated infrastructure serves as a critical foundation for enabling the global deployment of AI capabilities.
Outlook: Regulation, Technology, and Ecosystem Will Drive Industry Maturity
As AI application scenarios continue to expand, overseas demand for AI services continues to grow, leaving significant room for further development in Token global expansion.
Looking ahead, regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, and industrial ecosystem development will jointly drive the maturation of the Token global expansion industry. More comprehensive service systems, more efficient technologies, and more reliable infrastructure will continue to support the globalization of China’s AI capabilities.
Standardized operations provide a stable foundation for industry development, while ecosystem collaboration creates sustained momentum for large-scale growth. With continued efforts from all stakeholders, China’s AI capabilities are expected to become an important force in the global AI services landscape.
About Zhongheng Zhihui
Zhongheng Zhihui is a subsidiary of Yufu Technology under Yinhui Technology. The company focuses on infrastructure development and ecosystem collaboration for Token global expansion. Centered on computing resources, network infrastructure, and compliance services, Zhongheng Zhihui works closely with China’s three major telecommunications operators—China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom—and collaborates with leading domestic LLM developers, computing infrastructure providers, and cloud service companies to integrate ecosystem resources and jointly promote the compliant global expansion of the Token industry.
