Illustration: Liu Xidan/Global Times

The recent release of an upgraded action plan for China's "5G + industrial internet" 512 project by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) highlights the nation's steadfast commitment to integrating state-of-the-art 5G technologies into its industrial framework. By 2027, China aims to expand the "5G + industrial internet" across key sectors of the real economy, with the goal of establishing 10,000 5G-enabled factories.

The concept of "5G + industrial internet" refers to the application of 5G communication technologies to build new infrastructure, foster innovative business models and develop industrial ecosystems that are closely aligned with the real economy. Since the inception of the "5G + industrial internet" 512 project in 2019, significant progress has been made. Notably, 5G has already been integrated into 41 major industrial sectors, leading to the emergence of around 20 key application scenarios, such as remote equipment control, machine vision inspection, and autonomous intelligent patrols.

The development of "5G + industrial internet" is an integral part of China's broader transformation of its high-end manufacturing sector. Those efforts are not merely a technological upgrade; they are an important step toward building a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable industrial future. The success is driven by several key factors, with a strong infrastructure serving as the foundation. 

In recent years, China has made significant strides in developing its information infrastructure, and this trend is expected to continue. A recent national conference on information and communication regulation, held in Beijing, highlighted the importance of advancing information infrastructure with a forward-looking approach, according to the China News Service (CNS).

The development of information infrastructure is undeniably essential for China's continued technological advancement. According to the report by CNS, the national conference emphasized the need to drive key technological innovations, such as 5G-A and 6G, while also strengthening foundational systems like market access and fair competition - key elements for cultivating a world-class business environment. With these measures in place, it is expected that in 2025, China's information infrastructure will continue to evolve and optimize.

The expansion of information infrastructure has provided a solid foundation for China's industrial transformation, particularly in areas such as the "5G + industrial internet." With this strong infrastructure in place, China's efforts toward industrial modernization are grounded in a stable and reliable framework, ensuring that these initiatives are not merely abstract aspirations but practical, attainable goals.

In the context of global competition, the integration of 5G, AI, and advanced information infrastructure is increasingly recognized as a key driver for the development of high-end manufacturing. While much attention is given to AI technology and its potential to revolutionize high-end manufacturing - a crucial factor - it is equally important to acknowledge the role of advanced information infrastructure in the smart transformation of manufacturing, a factor that is often overlooked but no less essential.

Some media reports have drawn attention to the growing electricity demand in several Western countries, a trend largely driven by the rapid expansion and widespread use of AI technologies. This surge in power consumption is putting a strain on local infrastructure, highlighting a broader challenge: the need to sustain technological progress, not only in the energy sector but across various other fields. From internet systems to 5G base stations, the demand for a more robust and efficient infrastructure has become an urgent issue as technology continues to advance.

China, on the other hand, enjoys a unique advantage in infrastructure development, especially in the realm of information technology. This edge stems from its competitive production costs, technological prowess, and affordable pricing, which together open up significant opportunities for international cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises. If these opportunities are fully embraced, China's advantages in information infrastructure could make positive contributions to the global advancement of 5G and AI technologies, while also supporting the intelligent transformation of the global manufacturing industry.

Nevertheless, in recent years, certain Western nations have imposed unfair treatment on Chinese 5G equipment manufacturers, undermining potential collaboration in the field of information infrastructure. As global competition in the AI industry intensifies, the need for robust infrastructure has only grown. If a cooperative approach is adopted - one that ensures fair market access - it could not only benefit the information technology sectors in these countries but also strengthen their real economies, particularly in high-end manufacturing industries. 

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn