China’s netizens surpass 1.12 billion: report

China’s digital ecosystem has achieved a monumental milestone, with the nation’s online population now exceeding 1.12 billion users according to the latest official report. The data, released on February 5, 2026, reveals not only massive internet penetration but also substantial adoption of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies across the country.

The comprehensive digital report highlights that approximately 602 million Chinese citizens have engaged with generative AI platforms and tools, demonstrating remarkable technological adoption rates. This represents one of the world’s largest concentrations of AI-literate users within a single national market.

This unprecedented digital expansion reflects China’s sustained investments in technological infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and innovation ecosystems over the past decade. The convergence of widespread internet access and advanced AI adoption positions China at the forefront of the global digital transformation, with implications for economic development, social connectivity, and technological innovation.

The massive user base creates unique opportunities for digital economy growth, e-commerce expansion, and technological innovation while simultaneously presenting challenges in cybersecurity, digital governance, and technological ethics. This digital landscape transformation is reshaping how Chinese citizens work, communicate, and access information, fundamentally altering the social and economic fabric of the nation.