China announces five-year plan for digital village development

China has announced a five-year action plan aimed at advancing the integrated development of digital industries, digital infrastructure, and smart rural governance. The plan was jointly released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Key objectives include increasing the rural internet penetration rate from 69.5 percent in 2025 to 75 percent by 2030. The initiative also seeks to expand online activities in county-level cultural centers from 151,600 in 2025 to 170,000 by 2030.

The strategy focuses on improving rural network infrastructure and expanding efforts in smart agriculture, agricultural scientific and technological innovation, and rural e-commerce. Additionally, the plan aims to promote digital education, healthcare, and financial services in rural areas to improve the well-being and security of rural residents.