Looking back at 2025, the wave of innovation surged relentlessly—humanoid robots evolved from performing yangko dances on the Spring Festival Gala stage to running half-marathons, participating in sports events, and even working in factories, rapidly integrating into service and industrial scenarios. Car super factories, leveraging 5G and industrial internet technologies, achieved fully automated production processes. AI large-scale models accelerated their application across electronics, raw materials, and consumer goods industries, spawning new business models and formats.
With rapid advancements in 5G, AI, and other digital intelligence technologies, China's digital economy has transformed dynamically, steadily expanding its industrial scale and injecting fresh momentum into high-quality development.
**AI and Digital Intelligence Technologies Accelerate Innovation** The "Torchbearer No. 0"—the world's first 5G-A humanoid robot "Kuafu"—made a stunning debut, autonomously completing the torch relay while carrying a 1.6 kg torch. The "Free Viewpoint System" offered dynamic viewing angles, player tracking, motion analysis, and live-streaming services. Innovations like "Beidou + 5G-A Integrated Sensing and High-Precision Positioning" ensured seamless wireless communication at venues.
At the recently concluded 15th National Games, technologies such as naked-eye 3D, smart wearables, and 5G cloud control delivered immersive viewing experiences, vividly showcasing the boundless charm of cutting-edge technology.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of China's digital transformation. Over the past year, AI and digital intelligence technologies advanced rapidly, with new infrastructure projects progressing steadily—large models shifted focus from "training-heavy" to "inference-heavy," significantly improving efficiency. China now holds 60% of global AI patents, forming a comprehensive industrial system spanning foundational frameworks, model architectures, and sector-specific applications.
"Breakthroughs in core AI technologies—such as chips and algorithm frameworks—continue, with domestically developed open-source models leading global innovation ecosystems," said Xin Guobin, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology.
Network infrastructure strengthened further. By October, China had built 4.758 million 5G base stations, a net increase of 507,000 since the start of the year, accounting for 37% of all mobile base stations. Computing power infrastructure also upgraded, with 10.85 million standard racks in data centers and intelligent computing capacity reaching 788 EFLOPS (exaflops).
"China's digital infrastructure leads globally in scale and technology," stated Liu Liehong, Director of the National Data Administration.
Experts highlight that this robust "digital foundation" underpins China's high-quality digital economy growth. Today, China ranks second globally in digital economy size, with significantly enhanced innovation capabilities, industrial competitiveness, and international influence.
**Steady Progress in Digital and Intelligent Transformation** At an automotive super factory in Hefei, Anhui, dual-color robotic arms precisely painted car bodies. "Through repeated AI model training, we optimized spray trajectory and pressure control," explained the factory manager.
Meanwhile, at a steel plant in Guangxi, an AI system analyzed flame data in real time to guide production, reducing human error and improving yield efficiency.
Across China, AI and digital intelligence technologies are integrating deeply into manufacturing, services, and beyond, becoming a key driver of high-quality development.
To date, China has established over 7,000 advanced and 500 exemplary smart factories, with 15 pilot "leading-tier" smart factories under cultivation. The intelligent manufacturing equipment and industrial software sector has surpassed 4.5 trillion yuan in total output.
"AI’s dual engines—technological innovation and commercial application—are accelerating its fusion with the real economy, spawning a wave of smart products and services," noted Yu Xiaohui, President of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology.
The digital economy, characterized by high innovation, strong penetration, and broad coverage, is not only a new growth engine but also a lever to modernize traditional industries.
Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, emphasized that digital and intelligent transformation has progressed steadily this year. In October, value-added output in high-tech manufacturing and digital product manufacturing grew by 7.2% and 6.7%, respectively, while smart vehicle equipment production surged 28.4%. Industrial robot and integrated circuit outputs rose by 17.9% and 17.7%, respectively.
**"Staying Ahead in the Digital Age, Embracing Smarter Living"** "Wow, shared drones! Just scan to rent—how convenient!" exclaimed Huang Huihui, a tourist from Beijing, at Shiyi Village in Sichuan’s Qushan Town. Launched in September, these drones offer five filming modes and AI-powered editing for instant social media sharing.
Beyond tourism, 5G and AI have become indispensable tools for local tea farmers. "Drones and 5G now monitor tea growth in minutes, replacing manual checks," shared a villager. Real-time imaging and smart analysis enable precise pest alerts and growth tracking, optimizing farm management.
From new digital products to AI-driven services, technology is reshaping daily life.
Xie Cun, Director of the MIIT’s Information and Communication Development Department, highlighted booming 5G applications like cloud gaming and live-streaming, alongside growing demand for AI terminals. To bridge the digital divide, elderly-friendly app adaptations and "Silver Age Digital Classes" ensure inclusive access.
As 2026—the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan—approaches, China will expand 5G and gigabit optical networks, pilot 5G-A and 10G PON deployments, and advance 6G R&D. Industrial internet and AI will synergize to empower sectors, while digital governance upgrades aim to share dividends broadly.
"Our goal is to enhance public welfare through smarter digital services and inclusive growth," said Chen Ronghui, Deputy Director of the National Data Administration.
