BeijingSurvey data put China’s generative-AI users above 700 million.

Outside a few large technology firms, employers rarely reimburse the subscriptions and API credits.

Telecom operators sell token packages against phone bills, and e-commerce platforms put token recharge counters beside mobile top-ups.

Free tiers run out and quotas tighten, and the invoice lands on the individual.

How each outlet framed it
TMTPost
counts China's AI spending as a personal recurring household cost, citing token packages sold against phone bills and credits sold in shopping-festival promotions

Sources: TMTPost