China sets 2030 as the deadline for its national blockchain network. Its 15th computerization plan specifies priority regions and targeted uses, from finance to logistics. On the other hand, Beijing is not questioning its ban on crypto-related activities.
In brief
- Published on October 23, the 15th national informatization plan aims for the “essential” completion of the blockchain network by 2030.
- The project provides central infrastructure, regional hubs and applications adapted to four major economic areas.
- The text does not mention any crypto and does not provide for any relaxation of current regulations.
A network included in the Beijing calendar
The document of October 9 already laid the foundations of the project. The new plan goes further by setting a precise deadline. The Central Commission for Cyberspace Affairs lists the blockchain network among the digital infrastructures that China wants to develop over the coming years.
The text clearly announces the objective: “ the national blockchain network will be essentially completed » by 2030. In the same passage, Beijing mentions the commercial launch of 6G and the strengthening of computing infrastructures. Blockchain is therefore part of a broader digital modernization strategy.
Concretely, the plan provides for a central backbone network, interconnected regional hubs and decentralized digital identity services. It is also focusing on the digitalization of maritime transport and freight.
Four economic poles to deploy blockchain
The official plan details the priorities of each region. The Yangtze Delta must in particular develop blockchain applications in commerce and finance. For its part, the Chengdu-Chongqing region is aiming for large-scale deployment in trade, manufacturing and agriculture.
Two other poles complete the system. Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei must exploit this technology to improve smart logistics around its two airport hubs. As for the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao, it must accelerate innovative applications and facilitate cross-border data exchanges.
At the same time, Beijing wants to strengthen technical standards and facilitate the flow of data between systems. These two projects will be essential to allow the different infrastructures to communicate effectively.
State blockchain, no opening announced to cryptos
The plan does not mention any cryptocurrencies. Since 2021, China has banned crypto-related transactions and financial services. The new calendar does not call into question this policy.
The distinction is important: Beijing is developing supervised blockchain infrastructures, without opening the door to public crypto networks.
The quantified objectives of the plan confirm this orientation. By 2030, China wants to increase Internet penetration from 80.1% to 85%, increase the number of 5G stations per 10,000 people from 34 to 50, and increase the share of IPv6 traffic from 33.79% to 42%.
This strategy extends an orientation initiated since 2019: promoting blockchain while limiting its use in finance linked to cryptos. Beijing in particular continues to tighten the rules governing this sector.
By 2030, the main challenge will therefore be to connect infrastructure, businesses and administrations. Another question remains open: under what conditions will foreign players be able to access this Blockchain network?
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