China has recently unveiled its ambitious “National Data Infrastructure Construction Guidelines” which prioritize blockchain technology as a central component of the country’s strategy to enhance data security, transparency, and scalability in line with its broader digital transformation agenda.
The guidelines, released by the National Development and Reform Commission and other government agencies, underscore the importance of blockchain in facilitating trusted data exchange across industries and regions. The document envisions blockchain networks as key enablers of secure data circulation, traceability, and tamper prevention as China aims to establish a national integrated data market.
The timeline outlined in the guidelines sets a target for China to have a fully operational blockchain-powered data infrastructure covering the entire nation by 2029. The implementation of the plan will be carried out in phases, starting with pilot projects in key regions between 2024 and 2026 to refine blockchain frameworks and test real-world applications. By 2028, these pilot programs are expected to evolve into fully integrated national blockchain networks supporting large-scale data flow across provinces, sectors, and public-private partnerships.
One of the key features of the plan is the development of “trusted data spaces” that leverage blockchain technology to facilitate seamless multi-party data sharing while ensuring privacy, integrity, and ownership rights. These decentralized environments, powered by distributed ledger technology, aim to address data governance challenges by creating immutable records of data transactions, enabling stakeholders to verify data provenance and ensure regulatory compliance.
The guidelines also propose the establishment of blockchain-powered “data markets” that will tokenize data assets, allowing for fractional ownership, monetization, and secure trading across platforms. This innovation is expected to unlock new revenue streams and incentivize data sharing on a larger scale.
Furthermore, the plan calls for the creation of industry-specific blockchain platforms by 2026, with pilot projects testing decentralized applications in sectors such as digital finance, green energy, and smart manufacturing. These platforms will facilitate data interoperability among enterprises, driving wider adoption of blockchain technology across industries.
In terms of security and privacy, the guidelines emphasize the integration of blockchain with advanced privacy-enhancing technologies such as secure multi-party computation, homomorphic encryption, and zero-knowledge proofs. This combination will enable sensitive data to be processed and analyzed without exposure, addressing privacy concerns in sectors like healthcare and finance.
The guidelines also highlight the implementation of blockchain-based monitoring systems for real-time data integrity checks, protecting against unauthorized access, leaks, and cyber threats. By decentralizing control over critical data flows, the initiative aims to strengthen national data resilience and reduce single points of failure.
Overall, China’s focus on blockchain technology as a foundational element of its national data infrastructure construction underscores the country’s commitment to driving innovation, enhancing data security, and fostering transparency in the digital era.