China’s internet user base has reached nearly 1.1 billion as of June this year, marking an increase of 7.42 million users since the end of 2023, according to a recent report released by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC). The report was unveiled during the ongoing China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province.
The internet penetration rate in China has now reached 78 percent, demonstrating the country’s robust growth in digital connectivity. The CNNIC report highlights the sustained development momentum of China’s internet industry in the first half of the year. With more people gaining access to the internet, the rapid expansion of the country’s digital economy is poised to benefit a broader segment of the population.
The surge in digital consumption has played a pivotal role in boosting domestic demand during the January to June period. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that China’s online retail sales soared by 9.8 percent year on year, reaching nearly 7.1 trillion yuan (approximately $995.7 billion).
In addition, the report noted a significant increase in mobile payment usage among inbound visitors. More than five million foreign travelers utilized mobile payments in China during the first half of this year, a staggering 400 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This surge follows the country’s efforts to address payment challenges faced by some foreign visitors who traditionally rely on bank cards or cash, whereas mobile payment methods are predominant within China.
The expansion of internet access and the digital economy’s growth are expected to continue driving China’s economic development, offering new opportunities for businesses, investors, and consumers both domestically and globally.
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China's online population nears 1.1 billion, new report shows
cgtn.com
