Why China Is the Bogeyman Data Center Enthusiasts Just Can't Quit
wired ·
The article examines why data center backers and politicians blame China for growing American opposition to data centers, despite scant evidence. Polls show up to 75 percent of Americans now oppose nearby data center construction, prompting some politicians to distance themselves, while others, including President Trump, claim China is fueling the backlash. X reported identifying 200 China-linked accounts spreading anti-data center messages, and OpenAI earlier banned a similar cluster, but analysts at Graphika say most opposition appears homegrown. Blogger Andy Masley, popular with tech boosters, has found no solid evidence of Chinese intervention and calls the belief convenient. WIRED's China expert Louise Matsakis says the panic reflects a tendency to scapegoat China rather than address domestic causes. The article concludes that the narrative persists despite a lack of proof, serving as a useful distraction for the technology's advocates.
wired