In December 2025, an authoritative interview with Zhuang Rongwen, Director of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Office (中央网信办) and head of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), was published to articulate China’s strategic direction for cyberspace development in the context of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).
The interview, titled 推动网信事业高质量发展 开创网络强国建设新局面 (Promoting High-Quality Development of the Cyberspace Sector and Pioneering New Progress in Building a Cyber Power), reflects how Chinese leadership intends to deepen digital governance, technological innovation, ecosystem growth, and national network security to support broader socioeconomic goals.
Policy Context: Cyberspace Strategy and National Planning
China’s cyberspace governance strategy has been elevated through successive national directives emphasizing “network power” construction, a concept that encompasses digital infrastructure, security governance, content guidance, and technological innovation. The recent interview with Zhuang Rongwen reinforces that cyberspace strategy remains central to China’s national development agenda during the “15th Five-Year Plan” period, following strategic deployment at the 20th Central Committee Fourth Plenary Session.
The official narrative situates cyberspace work within the broader objective of achieving high-quality development, positioned alongside industry modernization, economic transformation, and national security priorities. Cyberspace, in this sense, is not solely a technical or regulatory domain, but a strategic infrastructure underpinning economic competitiveness and sociopolitical governance.
Reviewing the “14th Five-Year Plan” Cyberspace Achievements
Under the previous “14th Five-Year Plan,” Chinese leadership underscores notable progress in key areas:
- Network Culture and Guidance: Online platforms and public opinion strategies have expanded the influence of state narratives and fostered a robust online environment supportive of cohesive social values. This includes sustained initiatives to guide internet content toward constructive themes and to clean up harmful or illegal information, bolstering the clarity and order of cyberspace.
- Technological Infrastructure Expansion: China has significantly developed its digital infrastructure, with noticeable growth in internet user bases, active IPv6 adoption, and digital public services. These advancements support economic digitization and broaden access for citizens and businesses alike.
- Network Security: Enhancements to national network security capabilities aim to “build a robust defensive barrier” against cyber threats, including protection of critical information infrastructure and personal data governance. Strengthening security is framed as foundational to both national stability and business confidence in digital systems.
Cumulatively, these achievements illustrate progress toward integrated digital transformation spanning governance, operational technology, and social engagement.
Core Themes of the 2025 Directive
Accelerating Digital and Technological Innovation
A central focus of the interview is the imperative to accelerate innovation in high-value digital technologies. Zhuang describes reinforcing original research capabilities, advancing artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other strategic technologies, and driving early development of next-generation infrastructure such as 6G networks. Emphasis on foundational innovation reflects recognition of rapid global competition in digital technologies and the need to maintain sovereign capabilities.
This drive toward innovation is intended not just to elevate technological capacity, but also to support the digital economy’s growth, enabling China’s enterprises to leverage emerging technologies in manufacturing, services, and digital platforms.
Developing Industry Ecosystems and Digital Economy Integration
The interview highlights efforts to broaden and deepen digital industry ecosystems. Supporting clusters around artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, operating systems, databases, and emerging domains like quantum computing and brain-machine interfaces is presented as a strategic priority. Such ecosystems aim to provide diversified growth nodes and reduce reliance on external technology sources.
Integrating digital technologies with the real economy including logistics, manufacturing, finance, and public services, also features prominently. This orientation reflects broader economic goals of improving productivity and adapting traditional industries for digital competitiveness.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Connectivity
Optimizing information infrastructure is a key structural priority. Initiatives span coordinated planning for communication networks, integrated computing resources, and efficient utilization of digital assets. Expanding and upgrading networks, including large-scale application of enhanced 5G and forward-looking 6G research, are part of strengthening China’s digital backbone.
Such investments support not only enterprise digital adoption but also public sector services, remote and rural digital inclusion, and secure cross-domain information flows.
Promoting Digital Services for Citizens
The policy trajectory includes expanding digital services that benefit society at large. Enhancing e-government platforms, improving digital public services, and fostering digital inclusion in rural and urban communities are described as focal areas. Elevating citizen access to efficient digital services aligns with broader goals of social modernization and equitable development.
This element highlights cyberspace governance as both a public good and an economic development enabler.
Strengthening Network Security and Governance
Network security remains integral to strategy. Enhancing protection mechanisms for critical infrastructure, refining data security frameworks, and deepening governance over emerging technologies (including AI safety) are portrayed as core tasks. A secure digital environment is presented as essential for stable economic activity and consumer confidence.
These efforts align with ongoing regulatory evolution in areas such as data protection, cybersecurity certification, and digital content governance, which collectively shape the regulatory landscape for businesses operating in China’s digital space.
Policy Synergies With Broader Government Priorities
The cyberspace strategy articulated in this interview interfaces with other national policy agendas, including the digital economy initiative, national security planning, and the 15th Five-Year Plan’s innovation agenda. By emphasizing integrated development, combining economic, governance, and security objectives, the policy underscores the multifunctional role of cyberspace in contemporary statecraft.
This integrated perspective suggests that cyberspace development is not siloed but entrenched in systemic national planning that spans multiple ministries and industry sectors.
What This Means for Business
- Strategic Importance of Digital Compliance Businesses operating in China must recognize the strategic priority the government places on cyberspace governance. Compliance with digital regulations, especially around cybersecurity, data governance, and platform content, will remain a core operational consideration. Firms should ensure that digital strategies meet evolving regulatory expectations to maintain market access and competitive positioning.
- Opportunities in Digital Innovation The policy environment underscores significant opportunities for enterprises engaged in digital and emerging technologies. Sectors such as AI, networking, computing infrastructure, and applications aligned with digital transformation priorities stand to benefit from supportive frameworks and market demand.
- Infrastructure Engagement and Ecosystem Participation Investments in digital infrastructure present opportunities for firms in telecommunications, cloud services, and digital platform ecosystems. Businesses that align with infrastructure development plans such as edge computing, high-speed networks, and integrated digital services, may access emerging markets and operational efficiencies.
- Network Security as a Business Foundation Given the emphasis on robust network security, enterprises should elevate their cybersecurity postures not only to comply with regulations but also to build trust with consumers and partners. Strong security practices can become a differentiator in a landscape increasingly focused on data protection and resilience.
- Digital Inclusion and Market Expansion Expanding digital services for citizens and enterprises can stimulate new demand and expanded consumer engagement. Firms that facilitate digital inclusion including those serving rural or underserved markets, may find growth avenues supported by policy-enabled infrastructure and service initiatives.
Sources
- 推动网信事业高质量发展 开创网络强国建设新局面（权威访谈学习贯彻党的二十届四中全会精神） — Interview with Zhuang Rongwen, Director of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Office, published 2 December 2025. https://www.cac.gov.cn/2025-12/02/c_1766396564941361.htm