China has taken another major step forward in its journey toward technological leadership, becoming the world’s largest holder of artificial intelligence (AI) patents, accounting for 60 percent of the global total, according to the China Internet Development Report 2025. The report was released by the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies during the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit.
In addition to its AI achievements, China’s 6G patent applications now make up 40.3 percent of the global total, securing the top position worldwide. These milestones highlight the country’s steady progress in deepening its innovation capabilities, strengthening its digital infrastructure, and cultivating the next generation of intelligent industries.
Accelerating the Digital Economy
Over the past year, China’s information infrastructure has undergone continuous optimization and upgrading, driving the digital economy toward higher quality, deeper integration, and greater stability. The China Internet Development Report 2025 notes that the scale of China’s network content and digital cultural industries continues to expand significantly.
As of June 2025, the nation had 684 million fixed broadband households, 4.55 million 5G base stations, and 1.118 billion 5G mobile users. Active IPv6 users reached 834 million, accounting for 75 percent of total internet users, reflecting the country’s success in promoting advanced and inclusive connectivity.
Quantum Computing and E-commerce Growth
China’s quantum computing industry is projected to reach 11.56 billion yuan in scale this year, representing over 30 percent annual growth and 41.2 percent of the total quantum technology industry. This strong performance underscores China’s determination to advance in frontier fields and strengthen the foundation of its future-oriented economy.
The report also highlights China’s continued strength in e-commerce. As of December 2024, the country had 974 million online shopping users, accounting for 87.9 percent of the total internet population. Online retail sales grew by 7.2 percent, solidifying e-commerce as one of the key engines of national economic vitality.
Digital Culture Industry Enters Trillion-Yuan Scale
The construction of China’s online content ecosystem has advanced rapidly, with the digital cultural industry now surpassing the trillion-yuan level. In 2024, enterprises in the national culture and related sectors achieved 14.15 trillion yuan in revenue, a 6 percent year-on-year increase.
Digital cultural formats such as micro-short dramas, the “guzi” (fan merchandise) economy, cloud-based performing arts, digital games, and digital reading are thriving. These creative sectors not only enrich China’s cultural landscape but also serve as dynamic drivers of the digital economy.
Visionary Voices at the Wuzhen Summit
At the Wuzhen Summit, leading innovators shared insights on the future of China’s intelligent industries.
Wang Xingxing, founder and CEO of Unitree Robotics, said that AI is fueling rapid advancements across the robotics field. “Next year or the year after, I’ll bring more surprises to everyone,” he said, signaling continued breakthroughs in humanoid robotics.
Han Bicheng, founder and CEO of BrainCo, emphasized the transformative potential of brain-computer interfaces in enhancing healthcare, education, and quality of life. The company plans to introduce a next-generation sleep aid product next year and a weight management device in the following two years, expanding the application of AI in everyday living.
Liu Qiangdong, founder and chairman of JD.com, highlighted that robotics is reshaping logistics operations nationwide. He revealed that JD’s newly established Beijing sorting center has replaced 90 percent of its workforce with intelligent robots, and by April 2026, the company will open the world’s first fully unmanned delivery station, setting a new benchmark for intelligent logistics.
Building a Smarter Future
The 2025 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, held in Zhejiang Province, gathered over 1,600 participants from more than 130 countries and regions, showcasing the growing influence of China’s digital development on global innovation.
China’s achievements in AI, 6G, quantum computing, and digital culture reflect the strength of its innovation ecosystem and the vitality of its digital economy. With continuous investment in intelligent infrastructure and emerging industries, China is shaping a smarter, more connected, and innovation-driven future, propelling the nation into a new era of high-quality digital growth.