China's data sector sees marked growth during 2021-2025

China's data sector has seen significant growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), expanding its digital services to cover more areas and benefit a wider population.

At a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, Chen Ronghui, deputy head of the National Data Administration, highlighted key achievements in the sector.

According to the administration, the number of internet users in China has reached 1.123 billion, resulting in an internet penetration rate of 79.7 percent.

Chen said that, during this period, internet hospitals have facilitated over 100 million consultations, with 1.2 billion people utilizing the national medical insurance code. Direct settlements for cross-province medical treatments have positively impacted 560 million individuals.

China has also established the world's largest and most resource-rich national smart education platform. Additionally, over 1.07 billion people have received electronic social security cards, covering more than 75 percent of the population. A national elderly care service information platform has been launched to better connect supply and demand for elderly care resources, according to the official.

In terms of smart cultural tourism, all national 5A scenic spots have completed digital transformation. Smart communities now offer "one-click" assistance for the elderly, while applications for smart health management and remote consultations enhance community support. In digital consumption, innovative business models and products, such as instant retail, smart connected vehicles, and micro-short dramas, continue to emerge, unlocking new consumption potentials.

"Looking ahead, the National Data Administration aims to fully harness the amplifying, compounding, and multiplying effects of data, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the wellbeing of the people. We are committed to promoting the digital transformation and intelligent upgrading of public services, digital life, and social governance, thereby achieving greater outcomes in building a digital society," said Chen.

China's data sector sees marked growth during 2021-2025

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"