China - Internet

Synopsis

Archived report: this report was archived September 2005 and has not been updated. China is poised to eventually become the largest Internet market in the world. By June 2005, China had around 103 million Internet users and was growing at a rate of around 1 million users per month. Of 810 million netizens in the world, Chinese Internet users accounted for 11.6% entering 2005. The government remains well aware of the enormous social and economic value of the Internet and its importance in creating a prosperous nation. At the same time, however, it is concerned by the perceived risk to cultural heritage and to political stability. This report looks at the booming Internet market in China and the range of challenges it presents to those involved.