China has recorded over 1.12 billion internet users as of June 2025, a China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) report said on Monday, July 21, 2025. It’s a remarkable feat for a country of over 1.41 billion population as it seeks to become a global leader in connectivity.
The report has it that the internet penetration in China reached 79.9% by June 2025, marking an increase of 1.1% compared with the figures in December 2024.
The country’s effort at inclusive connectivity is showing results. The country has over 322 million internet users in rural areas. Of the total, over 161 million are aged 60 and above.
The achievements are also in part owed to its 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). The current plan has aimed at making the internet more inclusive among the elderly and those living in rural regions.
“Internet resources are now more abundant, strengthening the digital economy and reducing the internet penetration gap between urban and rural areas,” said CNNIC director Liu Yulin.
He added that 5G services now cover over 90% of administrative villages. The connectivity has benefited people and the country with digital economy growth. Rural residents are selling specialities via livestreaming, earning income for themselves and their communities.
Growing internet penetration is promoting literature and AI
The report also mentions that the internet penetration has helped promote Chinese cultures in and out of the country. The country now exports more Chinese online literature and games than ever.
For e.g., Japan saw a growth of 180% in reading Chinese online literature. Likewise, online games have become another object of growth in recent years. In the first half of 2025, 25 Chinese games brought in 11.6 billion yuan from abroad. The trend is now set for Chinese game developers to expand on their online gaming portfolio.
In addition to online literature and gaming, AI has become another strength for the country. The report said that as of March 2025, 346 generative AI services were registered at the Cyberspace Administration of China.
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China is becoming a new force in AI. DeepSeek’s rise has been well documented, while smartphone and telecom growth is unprecedented.
Going forward, the country wants to cement its place as a leader in 6G and new innovations.