Aug 21, 2026 (InvestinChina.asia) –  China’s State Council pledged on Friday to seize the opportunity presented by next-generation communications networks, calling for a balanced push across infrastructure, space-based systems, international connectivity, and integrated networks to solidify the nation’s competitive edge in the information and communications technology sector.

The directives, issued after a cabinet meeting chaired by Premier Li Qiang, underscore Beijing’s commitment to staying ahead of the global technology curve. Officials stressed an “application-driven, with a moderately proactive approach” approach, urging coordinated development of foundational networks, satellite communications, cross-border infrastructure, and converged networking.

AI and Smart Cities in Focus

The State Council called for greater adoption of next-generation smart terminals and the active cultivation of high-value application scenarios, including smart cities and intelligent manufacturing. The government emphasized the need to strengthen innovation and intelligent-led development, while expanding the industrial ecosystem.

Security and Safeguards

Critical network infrastructure and data security must be reinforced, with improved emergency communication capabilities to ensure network and information safety. The meeting also stressed the importance of a governance framework led by the government, driven by enterprises, and open to social participation, alongside guarantees for land, electricity, and spectrum resources.

Crackdown on Corporate Arrears

In a separate move to ease liquidity strains across the economy, the State Council ordered intensified efforts to clear overdue payments to businesses. Local governments were directed to utilize special-purpose bonds and relending facilities to break the chain of inter-enterprise arrears, aiming to deliver tangible results while preventing new defaults.

The cabinet specifically targeted the problem of large enterprises delaying payments to small and medium-sized suppliers, calling for clearer industry-specific payment rules, reasonable billing cycles, and stricter criteria for identifying default behaviors. Authorities will tighten oversight of payment practices by big corporations, strengthen anti-unfair competition enforcement, and enforce stricter disclosure of payment information.

Other Agenda Items

The meeting also covered additional policy areas:

• Air Quality: The State Council reaffirmed its commitment to the “blue sky defense war,” pledging coordinated regional governance, optimized industrial and energy structures, and continued improvements in transportation frameworks.
• Power Safety: Cabinet members approved revisions to regulations on power accident emergency response and investigation, emphasizing preventive maintenance, risk inspections, and quality control across engineering design, construction, and acceptance phases.
• Market Regulation: The meeting approved a draft regulation on market supervision offices, aiming to strengthen grassroots regulatory capacity, push resources to the front line, and leverage technology to improve oversight efficiency.