China is surging forward on the technological front, marked by its recent achievements in 5G technology and infrastructure development, including the upcoming construction of the world's largest artificial island airport. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced earlier this month a significant milestone, as the number of 5G mobile phone subscriptions surpassed 1.002 billion by the end of November 2024. This figure accounts for 56 percent of all mobile phone subscriptions within the country, reflecting an impressive increase of 9.4 percentage points from the previous year.
The rapid expansion of 5G subscriptions is largely attributed to extensive infrastructure developments. By November, China had deployed approximately 4.2 million 5G base stations, making its telecommunications network one of the most advanced globally. An analysis conducted this year revealed these stations alone constituted more than 60 percent of the world's total, underscoring China’s leadership role in 5G deployment.
Zhang Yunming, vice minister of MIIT, highlighted the progress, stating, "5G networks now provide comprehensive coverage across China, including key areas such as government service centers, cultural and tourism sites, and major transportation routes." The government is actively working to expand this coverage to rural and remote areas as well. Alongside its impressive rollout, the MIIT, together with 11 other governmental bodies, has launched an updated plan for large-scale 5G applications, aiming for widespread implementation by the end of 2027.
The new “Set Sail” action plan sets ambitious targets: 38 5G stations per 10,000 people and achieving personal user penetration exceeding 85 percent by 2027. Denoting the economic significance of 5G, recent reports indicated the mobile ecosystem created around 5G technologies generated about 8 million jobs during 2023. With additional projections estimating 5G-driven economic output around 5.6 trillion yuan (approximately 767 billion U.S. dollars), the technology is poised to reshape China’s economic future.
Adding to these advancements is the construction of the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, which promises to become the world’s largest artificial island airport. Spanning 20 square kilometers with plans to accommodate 80 million passengers annually, this massive airport will feature four runways and a sprawling 900,000 square-meter passenger terminal. Scheduled for completion by 2035, it will operate in phases, alleviating pressure from the current Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, which is already at maximum capacity after nearly a century of service.
Dalian, located within Liaoning Province, enjoys strategic importance due to its proximity to popular travel destinations like Japan and South Korea. The development of this airport is part of broader efforts by Chinese authorities to meet the growing demand for air travel and is particularly noteworthy as the country aims to become the world’s largest air travel market. Predictions suggest China will require approximately 450 new airports by 2035 to keep pace with this demand.
These efforts are not isolated; they coincide with global trends where cities worldwide are rapidly adopting 5G technology. According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, global 5G subscriptions jumped by 163 million during the third quarter of 2024, reaching 2.1 billion. The forecast aims for these subscriptions to increase to nearly 2.3 billion by year-end, which indicates over 25 percent of mobile subscriptions globally are transitioning to 5G.
Looking at the future, the total number of global 5G subscriptions is expected to grow to 6.3 billion by 2030, potentially making up 67 percent of all mobile subscriptions worldwide. These figures highlight the significant shift toward 5G as consumers increasingly embrace its benefits over older 4G technologies.
China’s ambitious plans reflect not only its commitment to technological progress but also its strategic vision for integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, within mobile infrastructures. Shanghai is among the cities leading this charge, formulating plans to fully implement large-scale 5G applications by 2026. The city aims for personal user penetration rates exceeding 90 percent and the establishment of high-standard 5G factories to support this technological transition.
Overall, China is not just making substantial gains within its borders; it is actively shaping the global narrative around technology and infrastructure development. With these advancements, the nation is positioning itself as a formidable player on the technological stage, ready to challenge other global powers for leadership.