China’s digital economy is expanding at a pace that now places artificial intelligence at the center of national growth. The latest figures show the country holds 60 percent of global AI patents, a share that underscores how strongly it has positioned itself in one of the world’s most competitive technology races.
That momentum is not limited to patent filings. According to the China Digital Development Report 2025 released by the National Data Administration, core industries in China’s digital economy now contribute more than 10.5 percent of gross domestic product.
AI has become one of the clearest drivers of that shift. The scale of China’s core AI industry has already surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan, signaling that the sector is no longer only supporting digital expansion but has become one of its main engines.
The broader digital landscape is also moving quickly. China’s Digital China development index reached 170.1 in 2025, rising 12.99 percent year on year and pointing to continued rapid growth.
That acceleration reflects more than just technology adoption. China has been speeding up the rollout of digital rules and technologies, while also expanding new application scenarios for data sets, strengthening AI infrastructure, and increasing the supply of skilled digital talent.
Data assets are becoming a key foundation for that progress. The report says China has built more than 110,000 high-quality data sets across areas including healthcare, industry, and education.
These data sets support the development of digital services and AI applications. They also show how the country is building the input layer needed for a much larger digital system.
Computing capacity is another part of the same strategy. China has established 306 national green computing facilities, adding the infrastructure needed to support digital services at scale.
The impact of that buildout is reaching far beyond the technology sector itself. Digital technology is now increasingly integrated into the economy, governance, culture, society, and the environment.
Yu Ying, deputy director of the National Data Administration, said digital engines will play a much larger role in driving industrial upgrading. She also said the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Data Administration will continue working with all parties to advance Digital China.
The picture that emerges is not just one of patent leadership. China is also trying to reinforce that advantage with data, computing power, and digital talent so the growth of its digital economy can continue at speed.