As a new gesture of China's further opening-up of its telecom sector, 166 foreign-funded enterprises have been approved of pilot operations in value-added telecom services, the second batch since February 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Wednesday.
These enterprises can legally provide value-added telecom services throughout China, including internet data center services, internet access services, and information services.
Building on existing policies including China's WTO commitments, pilot free trade zone regulations and policies for further opening up of the service sector, the ministry has proactively aligned with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and launched trials in Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan and Shenzhen to remove the foreign equity caps on value-added telecom services such as internet data centers.
More than 3,100 foreign-invested telecom enterprises operate across China. These enterprises will provide Chinese consumers with more diversified telecom services and products, further fostering an open and dynamic market ecosystem, the ministry said.
More policies will be introduced to promote the opening up of the telecom sector and encourage eligible foreign-funded enterprises to enter China's telecom market, said the ministry.
166 foreign-invested enterprises approved for value-added telecom services
A series of cross-Strait exchange activities have been held in north China's Shanxi Province, providing platforms for people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to explore shared history, culture, and business opportunities.
A ceremony worshiping Emperor Yandi, a legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, was held in Gaoping, a county-level city in Shanxi on May 24.
The worship ceremony featured rituals including incense offering, the reading of eulogies, ritual bowing, and traditional Chinese instrument performances. The solemn event brought together people from both sides of the Strait, strengthening their shared sense of cultural belonging and deepening consensus around a common Chinese identity.
"Because (in Taiwan), we've known since childhood that we are descendants of Emperor Yandi and Emperor Huangdi, so attending this ceremony really meant a lot to me," said Hsieh Yu-Chan, a Taiwan resident.
"It truly gives me the feeling of being as the descendants of Yandi and Huangdi. I was deeply moved. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely come again next year," said another Taiwan resident.
Shanxi Province has a solid industrial base and a favorable business environment. The province has rolled out preferential policies for Taiwan residents, attracting more than 100 Taiwan-funded enterprises to invest and settle in.
On May 23, an event highlighting cross-Strait business exchanges was held in the province's Jincheng City, attracting nearly 150 Taiwan businesspeople and youths, enhancing mutual understanding and exploring business opportunities.
"(Shanxi's) cultural tourism, healthcare, and coal chemical industries, in particular, offer excellent opportunities for Taiwan businesses, while Taiwan businesses are also very strong in producing key components for AI computing power. The prospects [for cooperation] are very promising," said Lee Cheng-hung, president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland.
"The mainland's economy is actually very strong. I think the success rate of starting a business and investing here is at least twice as high as in Taiwan. So I encourage young people in Taiwan to come and visit more often," said Chang Han-hsuan, a businessman.
During the event, participants also visited local enterprises, a short video production base, and popular tourist attractions across Shanxi.
Cross-Strait cultural, business exchange activities held in Shanxi
