MTS Web Services proposes partnership with China for AI data centers in Siberia and Far East

According to Pavel Voronin, head of MTS Web Services, Russia could join forces with China for AI partnerships, focusing on scaling AI data centers in Siberia and the Far East. Voronin believes Russia can become a leader in such an alliance due to its strong scientific and engineering base, developed market for applied AI solutions, and large tech companies ready for international initiatives. Development of energy infrastructure and communication channels could serve as a foundation for the partnership. AFK Sistema's press service stated Russia could oversee training, including Russian-language data, cultural context, and materials for industry, energy, finance, science, education, and public administration. Chinese partners could provide model architecture, computing resources, equipment, and training technologies. Notably, at the recent World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, an organization WAICO was formed to coordinate AI cooperation among 29 countries, including China and Russia, excluding Western nations. In June, it was reported that China plans to spend ¥2 trillion ($295 billion) over the next five years on AI data centers nationwide.