China Targets 2030 Completion for National Blockchain

China sets 2030 goal for a national blockchain network

China has designated 2030 as the approximate target year to complete its national blockchain network, according to a newly published five-year digital development plan. The strategic document, part of the 15th five-year information plan, lays out Beijing's priorities for scaling modern digital infrastructure across commerce, finance and public services.

Scope and regional focus

The plan urges deeper adoption of blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) across key economic regions. Policymakers specifically target expanded use cases in the Yangtze River Delta for trade and financial services, and broader DLT deployment in manufacturing and agriculture in the Chengdu–Chongqing economic zone in southwest China. These regional initiatives underscore China’s intent to integrate blockchain into critical supply chains and data exchange systems.

Policy context and governance

The Central Cyberspace Commission, the party’s top digital policy body, drafted the strategic roadmap. The document clarifies timelines for a project previously referenced in China’s national development plan in March and reaffirmed in a joint directive from central leadership and the State Council on October 9. Beyond timing, the plan emphasizes strengthening blockchain technical standards and accelerating enterprise and government adoption for transactional and data circulation use cases.

Blockchain investment despite crypto restrictions

Notably, mainland China continues to ban all crypto trading and related commercial activities while prioritizing foundational blockchain development as a national objective. This dual approach—tight regulation of cryptocurrencies alongside investment in blockchain infrastructure—traces back to President Xi Jinping’s October 2019 instructions to bolster domestic technological capabilities.

China’s 2030 target signals a major push to institutionalize blockchain at scale, improve interoperability and set domestic technical standards. For global crypto and blockchain observers, the plan highlights how state-led infrastructure projects and regulatory limitations on crypto markets can coexist while reshaping the broader blockchain ecosystem.