China will ratchet up resources to deepen reforms related to the market-oriented allocation of data elements and accelerate the cultivation of a unified national data market in 2026, as part of a broader push to unleash the value of data resources and advance the building of a "Digital China", according to the country's top data governance regulator. The conference stressed the need to formulate and implement the "Digital China" development plan, foster an open, shared and secure unified national data market, vigorously promote the deep integration of data-driven technological innovation and industrial innovation, and boost data sector development. China previously unveiled a plan for overall digital development, vowing to make important progress in the construction of a "Digital China" by the end of 2025. By 2035, the nation is expected to be at the global forefront of digital development. Mei Hong, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said digital transformation in traditional industries — such as manufacturing, transportation and energy — has become the main battlefield in the development of the digital economy.

Source: The Star January 06, 2026 13:57 UTC