At the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit in Zhejiang province, the latest internet development reports highlighted China’s significant progress in the digital sector, solidifying its position as a global leader. According to the World Internet Development Report, China ranks second globally in internet development with a score of 69, just behind the United States. This year marks the 30th anniversary of China’s full access to the global internet, during which the country has seen remarkable growth in its cyber ecosystem, core technologies, and international collaborations.
Wang Jiang, head of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, emphasized the country’s advancements across six key indicators: information infrastructure, digital technology and innovation, digital economy, digital government, cybersecurity, and international governance in cyberspace. He noted that the global digital economy is experiencing a new wave of growth, with increasing potential for rapid development.
In addition, the China Internet Development Report 2024 spotlighted China’s flourishing digital culture industry. By the end of 2023, the country’s online audiovisual market, including long videos, short videos, livestreaming, and audio, reached a market size of 1.15 trillion yuan ($159 billion). Meanwhile, the domestic gaming industry generated revenue of approximately 303 billion yuan.
China’s digital cultural influence is expanding beyond its borders. The online literature sector saw export sales surpassing 4 billion yuan, attracting 230 million international readers last year. The country’s gaming industry also thrived internationally, with sales exceeding $16 billion in 2023, marking its fourth consecutive year of surpassing the 100 billion yuan threshold.
Notable global successes include the video game Black Myth: Wukong, which has generated over $1 billion in sales on Steam, and the science fiction series Three-Body, which has reached audiences in over 190 countries. Additionally, Chinese online literature works are now being translated into multiple languages, broadening the reach of Chinese culture worldwide.
Sun Jiashan, an associate researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, emphasized the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in furthering China’s digital cultural impact. AI-driven translation tools have made Chinese online literature more accessible globally, significantly reducing translation costs and increasing global accessibility.
The report underscores how China’s digital culture, encompassing video games, short videos, and livestreaming, has become a cornerstone of the country’s cultural sector. It also highlights the role of cutting-edge technologies in driving cultural globalization, fostering greater dialogue and mutual respect across diverse cultures worldwide.