China's software and information technology services industry is charting a steady course of progress, with significant strides in domestically developed operating systems, databases, and other foundational technologies. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology highlighted these achievements in a recent announcement, showcasing the sector's growing self-reliance and innovation.
At a press conference held by the State Council Information Office, Vice Minister Ke Jixin provided concrete data on these advancements. Notably, he revealed that the number of mobile devices running HarmonyOS, a China-developed open-source operating system, surpassed 55 million units by the end of March 2026. This milestone underscores the platform's expanding ecosystem and user base.
The progress extends beyond consumer-facing operating systems. Ke stated that China's industrial software sector has now established a comprehensive product system that serves key domestic industries, with overall technological capabilities seeing a marked improvement. This development is critical for the modernization and digital transformation of manufacturing and other core sectors.
The industry is also witnessing the rapid emergence of cutting-edge business models. Innovations such as Model-as-a-Service and Agent-as-a-Service are gaining traction. By the end of March this year, average daily token calls had exceeded 140 trillion, a figure representing a growth of more than 1,000 times compared to the same period in 2024, signaling explosive adoption of AI-driven services.
In tandem with domestic innovation, China's leading cloud service providers are accelerating their global footprint. These companies have established a network of more than 150 data centers spanning over 30 countries and regions, significantly advancing the international reach and competitiveness of China's cloud computing offerings. This overseas expansion marks a pivotal step in the global tech landscape.
The collective progress reported paints a picture of a dynamic and maturing technology sector in China, one that is building foundational capabilities while simultaneously scaling its global presence.
Reference(s):
China's homegrown operating systems, key software see steady progress
cgtn.com
