At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Shanghai, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the nation’s digital infrastructure. Chief Engineer Zhong Zhihong emphasized a strategy of 'appropriate over-construction,' signaling that Beijing will continue to build out capacity ahead of current demand to stimulate future industrial cycles. The central focus of this expansion is the transition from 'Double Gigabit' to 'Double 10-Gigabit' networks, a move designed to support a new era of data-heavy industrial applications.
This infrastructure push extends beyond traditional terrestrial networks into the realms of satellite internet and low-altitude information systems. By integrating space-based assets with ground-based 5G and 6G nodes, China aims to create a seamless 'space-ground integrated network.' This connectivity is viewed as essential for the 'low-altitude economy,' providing the necessary data links for autonomous drones and urban air mobility systems that Beijing believes will become a significant driver of domestic GDP in the coming decade.
Beyond simple connectivity, the MIIT is pivoting toward a holistic 'computing power network.' This involves the strategic deployment of multi-level computing facilities that bridge the gap between edge devices and massive data centers. The goal is to ensure that the massive amounts of data generated by 6G and AI systems can be processed with minimal latency, supporting the development of 'embodied intelligence'—AI that can interact physically with the world through robotics.
On the international stage, Zhong’s remarks underscore China’s intent to lead the global conversation on 6G standardization. By accelerating core technology R&D and fostering a 6G-ready ecosystem now, Beijing seeks to avoid the fragmented standards of previous generations and secure a dominant position in the next phase of global telecommunications. This technical self-reliance is increasingly framed as a national security priority as much as an economic one.