China has achieved significant progress in digital infrastructure and technological innovation during its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), with its total computing power now ranking second globally, according to the National Data Administration (NDA).
By the end of June 2024, the country had installed 4.55 million 5G base stations and reached 226 million gigabit broadband users, accelerating economic and social transformation. Technological advancements have strengthened strategic sectors, with the integrated circuit industry establishing a complete industrial chain from design to manufacturing, testing, and materials.
China’s self-developed HarmonyOS is now embedded in over 1.19 billion devices across more than 1,200 categories, including smartphones, vehicles, and home appliances. In artificial intelligence, the country holds 60% of global AI patents, reflecting systemic growth in the sector.
The data industry has become a key economic driver, expanding to over 400,000 enterprises in 2024 and reaching a market scale of 5.86 trillion yuan ($817.24 billion), more than double the size recorded at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. This surge has also created over 100 new occupations, opening fresh employment opportunities.
Software revenues have risen 80% since 2020, while the value of large-scale electronic information manufacturing has grown by more than 70%. China’s manufacturing sector is rapidly adopting intelligent transformation, with over 10,000 smart factories now operating and covering more than 80% of major industrial categories. Consumer trends have also shifted toward smart home appliances and wearable devices, reinforcing the momentum of the digital economy.
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