China has outlined a plan to largely complete its national blockchain network by 2030, according to a five-year digital development initiative published by the government on Friday.
Blockchain integration targets finance, trade, and manufacturing
The 15th Five-Year Plan for National Informatization prioritizes deeper adoption of blockchain in key economic sectors. The government aims to expand blockchain technology in trade and finance within the Yangtze River Delta, one of the nation’s most economically significant regions. At the same time, large-scale deployment is planned for manufacturing and agriculture in the Chengdu–Chongqing area, a major industrial and agricultural hub in southwestern China.
The new policy was issued by the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, a top-level agency under the Communist Party tasked with coordinating China’s digital development strategies.
Authorities directly link the 2030 target to existing objectives in the national development agenda unveiled in March. A separate policy document, jointly released by the Communist Party’s central leadership and the State Council on October 9 last year, also called for construction of a comprehensive blockchain infrastructure in the country.
In addition to integration with trade and manufacturing, the plan calls for establishing robust technical standards for blockchain systems. Officials seek broader use of the technology in data circulation and trading scenarios, expecting it to boost efficiency and security across several industries.
Mini dictionary: Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the government agency responsible for managing China’s digital policy, cybersecurity, and internet regulation at the highest level.
Blockchain promotion separate from cryptocurrency ban
While the Chinese mainland strictly prohibits cryptocurrency-related commercial activities, policy planners continue to endorse blockchain technology as a critical driver for technological advancement.
President Xi Jinping underscored this policy direction in October 2019, urging greater national investment in blockchain. He identified the technology as a key priority to strengthen China’s domestic innovation and digital infrastructure.
Despite these policies, some digital asset activity remains active within China, such as peer-to-peer stablecoin transactions. Industry research has noted substantial growth in certain segments, despite formal regulatory restrictions.
President Xi Jinping identified blockchain as an important area for developing China’s technological capabilities, calling for increased investment and national focus in 2019.
