Computing Power Ranks Second Globally, Digital Services Benefit the Public, Data Market Grows Rapidly

«During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has seized opportunities in digitalization, networking, and intelligent development, deepened market-oriented reforms in data resource allocation, accelerated coordinated digital and green transformation, and achieved remarkable progress in building a digital China.» China’s digital infrastructure now leads the world in scale and technology. By the end of June, the country had built 4.55 million 5G base stations, with gigabit broadband users reaching 226 million, and its total computing power ranking second globally, significantly boosting economic and social development.

Digital Services Benefit More Citizens

1.07 Billion People Use Electronic Social Security Cards

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, digital and intelligent technologies have rapidly transformed production, lifestyles, and social governance. The number of internet users in China has reached 1.123 billion, with an internet penetration rate of 79.7%, bringing digital services to more people.

Public services have become more inclusive and convenient. Smart healthcare services have expanded, with online hospitals providing over 100 million consultations annually. More than 1.2 billion people use the national medical insurance code, and cross-province direct medical expense settlements have benefited 560 million people. Digital education has scaled up, with China establishing the world’s largest and most resource-rich national smart education platform. Digital social security coverage has expanded, with 1.07 billion people using electronic social security cards, covering over 75% of the population. City clusters like the Yangtze River Delta and Chengdu-Chongqing have achieved regional «one-card» interoperability. Digital elderly care services have made progress, with a national platform improving resource allocation efficiency.

Digital lifestyles are smarter and more convenient. In smart tourism, 100% of 5A-level scenic spots have completed digital upgrades, with technologies like digital twins and VR making ancient culture accessible. Smart communities offer one-click emergency assistance for seniors and remote health management, enhancing quality of life. New digital consumption models like instant retail, smart connected vehicles, and micro-dramas are driving growth.

Governance has become more precise and efficient. Online government services streamline processes, while city management systems improve disaster warnings and resilience. Cross-department data sharing enriches public and business services with «no-application» benefits.

The National Data Bureau will further leverage data to advance digital transformation in public services, lifestyles, and governance.

Expanding Data Application Scenarios

70 Demonstration Cases Cover Agriculture, Healthcare, and More

Data, a core element of AI development, plays a key role in driving «AI+» initiatives. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, awareness of data’s importance, institutional frameworks, and utilization have reached new heights.

Data applications are diversifying. Medical insurance authorities use big data to detect fraud, ensuring fund security. Cities optimize traffic signals through public-private data collaboration. Apparel companies leverage consumer data for rapid, personalized production, reducing turnaround to 3-7 days. The National Data Bureau has launched initiatives like «Data Element ×» and «Public Data in Motion,» showcasing 70 demonstration cases in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.

Data resources are more accessible. Public data policies now cover registration, licensing, and pricing, with a national platform spanning 78 economic categories. State-owned enterprises are accelerating data openness.

Over 35,000 high-quality datasets have been built. Efforts will continue to develop datasets for embodied AI, low-altitude economy, and biomanufacturing.

Growing Data Market Participation

New Data Products Increase 70% Year-on-Year in H1

The Third Plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed fostering a unified national technology and data market and building state data infrastructure.

«More data entering the market reflects progress in market-oriented reforms and the sector’s growth,» noted officials.

In H1 2025, major trading platforms listed 3,328 new data products, up 70%, with AI datasets surging 280%. Q2 saw 2,600+ new entities participating. Data annotation, governance, and trading firms are expanding, with third-party services improving.

Infrastructure

5A-level scenic spots

«5A-level scenic spots» are China’s highest-rated tourist attractions, designated by the China National Tourism Administration for their exceptional natural beauty, cultural significance, and visitor services. Introduced in 2007, the 5A classification ensures world-class standards, covering iconic sites like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. These spots reflect China’s rich heritage and landscapes, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists annually.

Yangtze River Delta

The Yangtze River Delta is a prosperous region in eastern China, encompassing Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui. Historically a hub of trade and culture, it has been a key economic center since ancient times, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is one of China’s most advanced and densely populated areas, driving innovation and global commerce.

Chengdu-Chongqing

The Chengdu-Chongqing region, located in southwestern China, is a major economic and cultural hub with deep historical roots. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is famed for its 2,300-year history, spicy cuisine, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Chongqing, a sprawling municipality, played a crucial role during World War II as China’s provisional capital and is now a key industrial and transportation center. Together, they form a dynamic urban cluster in the Sichuan Basin.

National Data Bureau

The National Data Bureau (NDB) is a government agency responsible for managing and overseeing national data resources, statistics, and information systems. Established to support policymaking and economic planning, it plays a key role in data collection, analysis, and dissemination. While specific histories vary by country, such bureaus often emerge in the modern era to address the growing importance of data-driven governance.

national medical insurance code

The **National Medical Insurance Code** is a standardized system used to identify and classify medical services, treatments, and products for insurance billing and reimbursement. It ensures consistency in healthcare claims and helps regulate costs within a country’s public or private health insurance framework. Such systems, like the U.S. **Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)** or the **International Classification of Diseases (ICD)**, are often implemented to improve efficiency and transparency in healthcare financing.

national smart education platform

The **National Smart Education Platform** is a digital initiative designed to provide accessible, high-quality online education resources to students and educators across China. Launched by the Chinese government, it leverages advanced technologies like AI and big data to support personalized and interactive learning, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform reflects China’s push to modernize education through digital infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities nationwide.

electronic social security cards

Electronic Social Security cards are digital versions of the traditional physical cards issued by governments to track workers’ earnings and eligibility for social security benefits. Introduced to enhance security, reduce fraud, and streamline access, they often serve as digital identifiers for tax, healthcare, and retirement systems. Many countries, like the U.S., have explored digitizing these cards as part of broader e-government initiatives, though physical cards remain in use alongside digital options in some regions.

Public Data in Motion

«Public Data in Motion» is a dynamic, interactive installation or digital platform that visualizes real-time public data, often displayed in urban spaces or cultural institutions. It transforms complex datasets—like traffic patterns, weather, or social media activity—into engaging, accessible animations or projections. The concept reflects the growing trend of using art and technology to democratize information, fostering public awareness and interaction with data in everyday life. (Note: If referring to a specific installation, additional historical context may be available.)