From 2021 to mid-2025, the Chinese mainland’s digital infrastructure has taken giant leaps under the 14th Five-Year Plan.
By June 2025, the mainland had rolled out 4.55 million 5G base stations and connected 226 million gigabit broadband users. Its total computing power now ranks second globally, setting the stage for the next wave of tech-driven growth.
Investment in smart networks and data centers has sparked robust demand across the information and communications technology industry. As a result, the ecosystem now supports everything from online shopping and remote education to telemedicine and “5G+ industrial internet” solutions.
Beyond the cities, 5G expansion and a surge in e-commerce have empowered farmers in rural areas, turning smartphones into tools for accessing markets, boosting incomes and improving livelihoods.
Breakthroughs in core technologies are also emerging. Integrated circuit development is accelerating, while domestic operating systems are gaining traction — devices in the HarmonyOS ecosystem have surpassed 1.19 billion units. The Chinese mainland now holds 60% of global artificial intelligence patents.
Data has become a new frontier: over 400,000 data-related enterprises were operating in 2024, and the industry market size reached 5.86 trillion yuan — a 117% jump since 2020. Analysts expect this sector to sustain high growth in the coming years.
National Data Administration head Liu Liehong highlighted these milestones at a press briefing held by the Chinese mainland’s State Council Information Office, underscoring the mainland’s determination and capacity to drive high-quality digital development.
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China's digital infra makes strides during 14th Five-Year Plan period
cgtn.com
