China Tests Cross-Border Data Trading With ASEAN as AI Raises the Premium on Local Datasets
China is seeking to extend its domestic data exchange model into Southeast Asia, with Shenzhen Data Exchange and Malaysia’s Zetrix AI exploring a framework for cross-border trading of data-derived products and access rights. The initiative could support AI localisation and market expansion, but faces unresolved challenges around valuation, ownership, regulatory fragmentation and cross-border accountability.