Artificial intelligence technologies and advanced spatial systems are driving expanded economic cooperation across the Global South, according to participants at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. From AI-powered satellite constellations monitoring agriculture to self-driving trucks, regional stakeholders are leveraging emerging technologies to boost bilateral trade and industrial integration, as highlighted during the trade event running from September 17 to 21, 2026.
AI-Powered Satellites Target Agricultural and Mineral Monitoring
Shandong-based satellite developer Star.ai Spatio-temporal Intelligence Technology Co. showcased how its growing constellation of AI-enabled satellites can empower Global South countries with early disaster warnings and ecological cooperation, according to company marketing manager Wang Xiaofeng. Wang told the Global Times that hyperspectral satellites powered by AI algorithms can monitor crop growth with high efficiency, fulfilling a critical regional demand. The company launched two AI-powered satellites on August 6 from the waters off East China’s Shandong Province. One of these spacecraft will safeguard Indonesia’s agricultural production by tracking crop development and assessing disaster risks, Xinhua News Agency reported. In addition to farming, the system targets mineral exploration across ASEAN markets.
Expanding Technical Infrastructure Through Dedicated Exhibition Zones
To accelerate technology transfer, the city of Nanning launched the Nanning AI Compound at this year’s expo, spanning 10,000 square meters and hosting more than 150 artificial intelligence companies, according to event organizers. Earth Pulse (Wuxi) Technology Company used the platform to advance resource initiatives. Cen Wuxiang, a sales director at the firm, told the Global Times that the company signed an agreement with a Laos potash project team at the event. These deployments form part of a broader push to scale infrastructure, models, and computing power across trade, tourism, and logistics sectors, noted Zhang Lizhong, secretary general of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC).
Did you know? During the China-ASEAN business and investment summit held in Nanning, officials released 31 practical AI cooperation cases covering all 11 ASEAN member states, spanning infrastructure, intelligent manufacturing, and smart logistics, according to Xinhua.
Broader Economic Integration and Trade Drivers at CAEXPO 2026
This year’s CAEXPO and the associated China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) focus on economic and trade cooperation, artificial intelligence, and enterprise participation, said Li Pan, deputy commander of the 23rd CAEXPO and CABIS, during a press reception reported by Bernama. Li noted that the total exhibition area expanded to 170,000 square meters, drawing roughly 2,200 Chinese enterprises and nearly 1,000 ASEAN enterprises. Timor-Leste is participating for the first time as a co-organizer, marking a milestone where all 11 ASEAN member states are represented. Organizers also highlighted the opening of the Pinglu Canal to navigation as a major infrastructure upgrade designed to secure smooth two-way economic and trade exchanges between China and ASEAN economies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo taking place?
The 23rd CAEXPO is scheduled from September 17 to 21, 2026, in Nanning, South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, while the accompanying business summit runs from September 17 to 19.
What role does artificial intelligence play at the current expo?
AI serves as a central protagonist at the event, featuring dedicated infrastructure like the Nanning AI Compound, pre-matched trade modules via AI intelligent agents, and 31 practical cross-border cooperation projects spanning agriculture, resource exploration, and manufacturing.
Which countries are participating in CAEXPO 2026?
All 11 ASEAN member states are represented at the event, with Timor-Leste participating for the first time as a co-organizer, alongside approximately 2,200 Chinese enterprises and nearly 1,000 ASEAN businesses.
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