In early February 2021, the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) released the 47th Statistical Report on Internet Development in China (hereinafter referred to as “Report”). The Report provides updated statistics and data on China’s Internet industry and market. Specifically:

  • By the end of December 2020, China had 989 million Internet users, and the Internet penetration rate reached 70.4%;
  • Telemedicine has covered all county-level hospitals, and basic financial services have covered 99.2% of administrative villages;
  • In 2020, China’s online retail sales reached 11.76 trillion CNY, including 9.76 trillion CNY for physical goods;
  • By the end of December 2020, China had 843 million users of Internet government services, 782 million of online shopping, 854 million of online payment, and 927 million of online video users (among which 873 million users of short videos);
  • By the end of December 2020, the total market value of China’s Internet companies listed on domestic or overseas markets, reached 16.80 trillion CNY, and the total number of Internet and information technology unicorns reached 207.

The report also provides an overview of the standardization development of some Internet-related technologies in China, including quantum technology, blockchain, AI, and industrial Internet. Specifically, by the end of December 2020, China had established a working group on standardization of quantum communication (CCSA/ST7), completed six research reports, and established a national technical committee on standardization of quantum computing and measurement. The National Blockchain Standardization Technical Committee was also created, while two blockchain industry standards and 10 local blockchain standards started to be implemented. The number of members of the Industrial Internet Industry Alliance reached 1,778, contributing to the promotion of cooperation in industrial Internet technology, standards, research and development and application.

Finally, the report also provides statistics on China’s IPv6 deployment, cyber security incidents, the progress of new infrastructure, and the development of the digital economy.

CNNIC issued the first Statistical Report on Internet Development in China in 1997, and has now become a semi-annual flagship publication. The report can be used as a reference to observe and analyse the development status and trend of China’s Internet industry.

 

Source: http://www.cac.gov.cn/2021-02/03/c_1613923422728645.htm