City in step with latest internet developments

The digital revolution intertwines with every facet of life, propelling not only technological evolution but also economic transformation. Aspiring to become a global digital economy powerhouse, Beijing is exploring an innovation-driven and people-centered approach to digital transformation.

The utilization of Internet Protocol version 6 marks the internet's evolution, highlighting its role in a flourishing digital economy. Countries worldwide are making strides toward adopting IPv6.

Pan Feng, deputy director of the Beijing Cyberspace Administration, noted that Beijing is aligning with internet advancements and working on large-scale IPv6 deployment. The city's metropolitan area network has been upgraded to support IPv6. Additionally, all newly built gigabit optical networks and 5G infrastructure in Beijing support the protocol.

Artificial intelligence stands at the helm of Beijing's digital economy, with the city hosting 23 key AI laboratories. The scale of Beijing's core AI industry reached 350 billion yuan ($48.8 billion) in 2024, representing half of the national total.

Beijing nurtures AI businesses through initiatives like launching a lecture series on AI and setting up large language model service stations in its Haidian and Mentougou districts. These stations provide services that cover the entire life cycle of companies.

Leveraging its talent pool, diverse application scenarios and rich data resources, Beijing also regularly hosts AI innovation contests. Designed for both the general public and AI specialists, these competitions aim to broaden application scenarios through technological innovation. Many districts in Beijing are encouraged to host such events to inject new vigor into the digital economy.

Pan emphasized the importance of security in developing the digital economy. He said that Beijing harmonizes high-quality development with security by reforming cross-border data management, publishing a negative list for data export in free trade zones and enhancing "green channels" for cross-border data security assessments. Nearly 60 companies, including Mercedes-Benz, Bayer and Audi, have passed cross-border data security assessments.

Additionally, Beijing is implementing pilot projects to expand opening-up in value-added telecom services. Ten companies, including Deutsche Telekom and Airbus, have received pilot approvals.

The city supports security companies in utilizing AI to enhance their detection, prevention and handling of cybersecurity and data security incidents, aiming to build a secure foundation for the growth of the digital economy.

The annual Global Digital Economy Conference serves as a vital international platform for presenting the latest developments in digital industries and sharing exemplary practices, while fostering cooperation in the digital realm.

Pan reiterated Beijing's dedication to providing improved services and other support to digital economy businesses, pledging to create an open, healthy and secure environment where they can operate and innovate with ease and confidence.