China saw robust growth of its information and communication technology (ICT) sector in the first quarter of 2026, as the country strengthened new-type information infrastructure construction, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said Tuesday.
During this period, China has achieved notable progress in building its information and communication infrastructure, with stronger network capabilities, wider internet coverage, and better services, which has further consolidated the foundation for the country's digital and intelligent transformation, an official of the ministry said at a press conference.
"By the end of March, China had a total of 4.958 million 5G base stations nationwide, and 32.01 million 10G PON ports capable of providing gigabit network services. 10-gigabit optical network pilot projects have been rolled out in 168 residential compounds, factories, and industrial parks across 86 cities. 5G-A (5G-Advanced) service coverage has extended to 330 cities. Meanwhile, the Mobile Internet of Things (MIoT) is expanding rapidly, connecting 2.948 billion terminals," said Xie Cun, director of the MIIT's Information and Communications Development Department.
At the same time, China's digital industry is also gaining momentum, according to the ministry.
"The total volume of telecommunications services increased 8.3 percent year on year in the first quarter, 0.6 percentage points faster than the same period last year. The total revenues of the software and information technology service industry increased by 11.7 percent year on year in the January-February period, with its growth rate up 1.8 percentage points from the previous year," said Zhang Yunming, vice minister of industry and information technology.
China's ICT sector logs robust growth in Q1
The year 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos as well as the Year of China-Laos Friendship, presenting important opportunities for the development of bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, who is visiting China as special envoy of Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and president of Laos.
Wang welcomed Saleumxay to visit China, saying the visit fully reflects the high level of the China-Laos community with a shared future and will further enhance the strategic mutual trust between the two sides.
Wang called on both sides to strengthen inter-governmental institutional dialogues, enhance the quality and efficiency of China-Laos railway connectivity, jointly build an upgraded version of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and deliver more tangible outcomes in advancing regional connectivity.
China will leverage its strengths to align development strategies with Laos, boost whole-industry-chain cooperation in minerals, electricity and other sectors, deepen human resources development, and support Laos in economic transformation and industrial growth, he said.
Saleumxay, also a member of the Political Bureau of the LPRP Central Committee, said Laos is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, jointly hold successful celebration activities for the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and deepen cooperation in areas such as connectivity, energy and minerals.
Saleumxay expressed appreciation for China's stance and role in major international and regional affairs, saying Laos is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China.
China-Laos ties face important opportunities in 2026: Chinese FM
