China eyes early commercialization of 6G by 2030: experts

China

China eyes early commercialization of 6G by 2030: experts

2026-03-29 22:16 Last Updated At：03-30 13:37

China is accelerating development of 6G mobile technology, with experts projecting commercial rollout by 2030 and highlighting its AI-native design as a break from 5G.

The projection was made at the Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, which closed Sunday in Beijing under the theme "Full Integration Between Technological and Industrial Innovation." It featured 60 sessions on topics from global sci-tech governance to basic research, drawing experts, scholars and policymakers worldwide.

ID: 8472083 More than 560 scientific and technological achievements were also showcased at the forum's exhibition center, from robots capable of fine motor tasks to frontier brain-computer interface solutions, alongside advances in intelligent manufacturing, commercial aerospace and regional cooperation.

Amid the forum's showcase of breakthroughs, experts turned to the future of mobile communications, describing how 6G will be fundamentally different from 5G.

"If I had to describe 6G with some keywords, the first would be AI-native. The 6G network is no longer just a communication network. It deeply integrates AI capabilities. Every network unit - base stations, terminals, core networks - will have built-in AI computing power. That means AI agents won’t just live in distant data centers. They’ll be right beside you - in your phone, on the base station you’re connected to, even on routing nodes," said Zhou Xu, director of Advanced Network Tech and Application Development Department at the Computer Network Information Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

6G is being designed as a fully integrated space-air-ground-sea network, a shift from 5G's terrestrial focus. Satellites are expected to carry base stations, extending coverage to users in cities or at sea.

"China has already completed its first phase of 6G technology trials. Over 300 technologies validated in labs and test networks. The next step, from 2026 to 2028, is to integrate these individual technologies into real devices. The first set of 6G standards is expected around 2029, with trial commercial deployment around 2030. By 2035, we could see 6G smartphones in everyday use - along with applications that aren’t possible on 5G," said Zhou.

However, challenges still remain due to fierce competition over global standards, immature supply chains for core components, and the far higher costs of building a 6G network compared with 5G. Despite these hurdles, China is pursuing innovation and collaboration with what officials describe as a more open and inclusive approach.

"The (6G) network needs to be AI native because AI shouldn’t be dominated by only the big powers. By building an open ecosystem, you actually let different players - from application layer, device layer, and robot layer - have a platform that people can build up capability," said Prof. Tony Quek, a fellow of Academy of Engineering Singapore.

If realized, 6G’s AI-native design and space-based infrastructure could redefine global connectivity and reshape how people live and work.

Since its founding in 2007, the ZGC Forum has become a major international event for advancing science and technology innovation.

Iran has interest in negotiations but no trust in US: Araghchi

Iran remains open to serious negotiations but has no trust in the United States, which is the main obstacle in the way of any diplomatic effort, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Friday.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran on Feb 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel as well as U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 after 40 days of fighting through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by U.S. President Donald Trump without a set deadline.

The mediation process by Pakistan has not failed but is in "difficulty," Araghchi said at a press conference on the conclusion of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in the Indian capital New Delhi.

Tehran is trying to keep the current fragile ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance, he added.

He stressed that there is no military solution to issues involving Iran, and that Tehran will never surrender to pressure or threats.

Noting the lack of trust is impeding negotiations, Araqchi said that "contradictory messages" from the U.S. side have made Tehran reluctant about the real intention of the Americans on negotiations.

Araqchi said Iran appreciates the efforts of any country that have the ability to help, particularly China, which brokered an agreement to restore diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023.

Iran has very good relations with China, the two countries are strategic partners, and Tehran knows that the Chinese have good intentions, so anything they can do to help diplomacy would be welcomed, Araqchi said.

On the nuclear issue, Araqchi reiterated that Iran has never sought to develop nuclear weapons, and its nuclear program is peaceful.

As for the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said the strait is open and all vessels can pass except the vessels of those countries that are at war with Iran, if they coordinate with the Iranian Navy.

Araghchi blamed the U.S. for an "illegal blockade" and for its aggression that has created insecurity in the region, pledging efforts to ensure that there will be a good administration in the Strait of Hormuz after the war ends, which guarantees the safe passage of all vessels.