The Chinese government announced on Wednesday its commitment to mitigating the risks associated with fragmentation and imbalances as it embarks on the development of new infrastructure aimed at enhancing its manufacturing sector.

According to a statement from various state agencies, including the ministries of industry and finance, as well as the central bank, China has established the largest 5G network and fibre-optic broadband infrastructure globally, alongside advancing capabilities in artificial intelligence.

However, the notice pointed out that challenges such as coordination difficulties, lack of integration, and regional imbalances are becoming increasingly evident.

It also emphasized the issues of uncoordinated development and disparities in new information infrastructure across different regions.

The new infrastructure initiatives are expected to foster the emergence of "new productive forces" within the economy and facilitate the upgrading of industries, aligning with the goal of establishing a robust manufacturing nation.

The phrase "new productive forces," introduced by President Xi Jinping last year, underscores the importance of innovation-driven economic growth in advanced sectors.

As traditional infrastructure investments in roads, railways, and bridges yield diminishing returns, China is shifting its focus toward "new infrastructure" projects, which encompass 5G telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and big data.