As of late 2025, China’s government rolled out its draft 15th Five-Year Plan, marking a pivotal moment for data security. Guo Jingyu, CEO of Fisherman Info and winner of the National Cryptography Science and Technology Progress Award, maps out how policy, technology and industry are converging to build a safer, more independent data ecosystem.
From Passive Compliance to Proactive Empowerment
The new plan sets up a coordinated mechanism of 'strategic guidance, investment incentives, market traction and institutional guarantee' for cryptography and data protection. By calling explicitly for 'strengthened national security in emerging fields such as data' and 'secure digital economy development,' policymakers are shifting the industry from passive compliance to proactive empowerment.
Key sectors—energy, finance and government affairs—are now required to adopt robust data security measures. This creates large-scale deployment scenarios for quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Firms like Fisherman Info are already helping shape national standards, integrating algorithms like CRYSTALS-Kyber and SM2/SM4 into a dual-algorithm framework that eases the path to post-quantum resilience.
Quantum Era Breakthroughs
Quantum computing threatens traditional cryptography through algorithmic attacks and 'harvest now, decrypt later' tactics. To counteract these risks, the industry is racing to commercialize two core paths: PQC and QKD. Guo’s team at Fisherman Info combines algorithmic security with physically secure keys, delivering a full-stack, 'PQC + QKD' solution that major power grids and government platforms are piloting today.
For example, quantum encryption modules now secure operational data at a leading hydropower station, and zero-trust platforms in provincial governments use quantum keys to enable 'data usable without being visible.' Over 80 percent of national energy bases could adopt these upgrades within five years.
Building a Native Data Security Ecosystem
China’s data security industry stands out for its independent ecosystem: homegrown chips, operating systems and databases form an integrated stack that turns security into a native capability. Business models range from tailored scenario solutions in critical infrastructures to Cryptography-as-a-Service subscriptions, making advanced protection accessible to startups and SMEs.
Eyes on 2030: A Golden Age Ahead
Under the 15th Five-Year Plan, the domestic market for PQC upgrades alone could swell into the hundreds of billions of yuan by 2030. Policy refinements—such as classified data protection and cross-border security assessments—alongside innovations combining quantum, AI, privacy computing and blockchain, will further expand the field. As China advances toward self-reliance in science and technology, it is poised to become a global hub for data security innovation, sharing 'Chinese wisdom' with the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
