People walk by a sign of Blockchain Summit during the Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2019. File photo: IC

Chinese authorities released a shortlist of blockchain-based pilot units across the country on Wednesday, in a bid to start practical trials in sectors including manufacturing, energy and finance, and advance blockchain sector's global competitiveness. 

Experts from 17 national departments and units, including the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the People's Bank of China, the central bank, drew up the shortlist of units that will pursue innovative applications based on blockchain technology. 

"The shortlisted pilot units (and zones) shall follow the principle of honesty and credibility. Falsification is strictly prohibited. Hyping cryptocurrency in the name of blockchain innovation, bitcoin mining, illegal fundraising, money laundering and pyramid sales are prohibited," read a statement on the website of the CAC on Wednesday. 

China is an important player in testing blockchain, in areas such as finance, energy, and supply chains. The government's support of blockchain companies and applications has promoted the use of the technology across the country.

The pilot units, including local governments, companies, universities, departments of justice and health commissions, would be allowed to undertake innovative trials in a variety of sectors. 

These include manufacturing, energy, public services, rule of law, tax services, judgments, copyright, education, healthcare, trade and finance, equity markets and cross-border finance. 

The local governments of Haidian district in Beijing, Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong, and the Xiong'an New Area in North China's Hebei Province are among the shortlisted pilot units to undertake comprehensive trials. 

Home appliance producer Haier, as well as China State Shipbuilding Co, Ningbo Zhoushan Port and information security company Aisino Corp were selected to explore blockchain-based manufacturing. 

The Shanghai Futures Exchange, the National Internet Finance Association of China and another 11 companies and organizations were shortlisted to explore trade and finance applications based on blockchain technology. 

The shortlist is open to public comment from Wednesday until December 28. Anyone who disagrees with the list could contact the relevant departments, the statement said. 

Global Times