China's Token Economy: A Plan for AI and Growth

Apr 25, 2026, 01:30

Introduction

China has a new idea called a 'token economy'. People use tokens for AI services. Two years ago, people used 100 billion tokens every day. Now they use 140 trillion tokens every day. This is a big change.

Main Body

China wants to use AI in many industries. A leader said tokens are like money for AI. Tokens connect people who need AI and people who make AI. In the past, western China sent energy to the east. The west had cheap electricity. Now China wants to use that cheap electricity to make computing power. Then they can sell AI services. This makes more money than selling just energy. China also wants to be independent. It does not want to depend on foreign computer chips. Tokens can be a service, not a product. This can help China avoid trade problems.

Conclusion

For China, the token economy is not just a test. It is a plan to change the economy and help poor areas. But it is not sure if it will work. The world must accept it.

Vocabulary Learning

change (n.)
difference / becoming different改變；變化
Example:This is a big change.
energy (n.)
power / power from electricity or fuel能量；能源
Example:Western China sent energy to the east.
idea (n.)
thought / a thought or plan想法；主意
Example:China has a new idea called a token economy.
service (n.)
work / work done for others服務
Example:They sell AI services.
token (n.)
symbol / a piece used for something代幣；象徵
Example:People use tokens for AI services.

Sentence Learning

Two years ago, people used 100 billion tokens every day.
Time Marker and Prepositional Phrase: 'Two years ago' is a time marker showing when. 'every day' is a prepositional phrase showing frequency.「Two years ago」是時間標記，表示過去某個時間點。「every day」是介詞短語，表示頻率。
Now they use 140 trillion tokens every day.
Time Marker and Prepositional Phrase: 'Now' is a time marker showing the present. 'every day' is a prepositional phrase showing frequency.「Now」是時間標記，表示現在。「every day」是介詞短語，表示頻率。
In the past, western China sent energy to the east.
Time Marker and Prepositional Phrase: 'In the past' is a time marker showing a previous time. 'to the east' is a prepositional phrase showing direction.「In the past」是時間標記，表示過去的時間。「to the east」是介詞短語，表示方向。
Now China wants to use that cheap electricity to make computing power.
Time Marker and Purpose: 'Now' is a time marker showing the present. 'to make computing power' shows the purpose of using the electricity.「Now」是時間標記，表示現在。「to make computing power」表示使用電力的目的。
But it is not sure if it will work.
Connector: 'But' is a basic connector showing contrast between the plan and the uncertainty.「But」是基本連接詞，表示計劃與不確定性之間的對比。