China has entered the second phase of 6G technical trials following the completion of its initial phase, which achieved breakthroughs in over 300 critical 6G technologies, according to a January 21 announcement by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This advancement solidifies the Chinese mainland's leadership in next-generation telecommunications innovation.
Vice Minister Zhang Yunming revealed that telecom services grew by 9.1% year-on-year in 2025, with industrial and information sectors contributing over 40% to national economic growth. The China Internet Development Report 2025, published by a Cyberspace Administration-affiliated institute, shows the Chinese mainland holds 40.3% of global 6G patent applications as of June 2025.
6G technology integrates advanced sensing, AI, and computing capabilities to extend wireless coverage from terrestrial networks to comprehensive air-space-land-sea systems. MIIT spokesperson Xie Cun noted the country currently operates the world's largest information infrastructure, with 4.8 million 5G base stations serving 1.2 billion users.
5G applications are transforming industries through 23,000+ '5G + Industrial Internet' projects. Innovations like unmanned mines, smart ports, and fully automated 'lights-out factories' demonstrate operational efficiency gains. One home appliance manufacturer reported a 275% productivity increase using its proprietary '5G + AI' visual inspection system.
'The synergy between digital infrastructure and real-world applications is driving China's high-quality development,' Zhang stated, highlighting the strategic importance of telecom advancements for economic modernization.
