China reports major IPv6 growth

China's IPv6 Development Report (2025), released by the Expert Committee for Promoting Large-Scale IPv6 Deployment and Application, details rapid progress in IPv6 deployment and integration across China's Internet infrastructure, services, and industries.

The report outlines substantial growth in users and traffic, widespread upgrades to network and application infrastructure, and deepening adoption of IPv6-based innovation and standards. It states that as of September 2025, China reported 865 million active IPv6 users, accounting for 77% of Internet users, nearly 300 times greater than the number reported in 2017 (Figure 1). IPv6 traffic share reached 34% of total Internet traffic, with mobile networks averaging 69% and fixed networks 31%.

IPv6 deployment overview

The report outlines ongoing progress in IPv6 deployment across China's networks and digital services. Major operators continue to expand IPv6 throughout backbone, metro, mobile, and fixed-line infrastructure, with newer technologies such as 5G and high-speed fibre generally built with IPv6 in mind. This network evolution has supported parallel upgrades in data centres, cloud platforms, Content Distribution Networks (CDNs), and DNS systems, enabling a wider ecosystem of IPv6-ready applications and services.

IPv6 adoption is also extending into key industries and public services, including government, education, finance, energy, and transport, where platforms and operational networks are gradually incorporating IPv6 to support modernization and Internet of Things (IoT)-driven capabilities. Popular consumer apps and major websites are increasingly reachable over IPv6, reflecting steady growth in end-user traffic.

The report notes continued work on standards and innovation, including experimentation in large-scale single-stack environments. Security and governance practices are evolving in parallel, with vendors updating equipment and operators updating monitoring and incident-response processes to accommodate the shift to IPv6 at scale. Collectively, these developments indicate a more mature, integrated IPv6 landscape across infrastructure, services, and operations.

Pilot projects and outreach

To encourage further innovation and awareness, IPv6 pilot programs have been implemented in nine cities and forty projects nationwide. Notably, the 'Network Address Translation (NAT) Removal ' initiative, piloted in nine provinces, is working to limit further growth of NAT44 infrastructure.

The report notes growing community engagement through IPv6 conferences and competitions, which have collectively highlighted over 200 innovative projects, alongside community outreach that raises awareness and promotes collaboration and adoption of IPv6 technologies across industry and the wider public.

Outlook 2030

Looking ahead, the report forecasts continued IPv6 growth in users, networks, and traffic.

Key priorities for the next planning period include:

• Expanding single-stack IPv6 deployments.
• Enhancing IPv6+ innovation and integration with emerging technologies such as AI, satellite networks, and autonomous vehicles.
• Strengthening IPv6-native security and address governance.
• Advancing IPv6 integration in smart cities, industrial IoT, and government systems.

China's steady IPv6 progress signals the effectiveness of long-term, coordinated planning in modernizing Internet infrastructure. With hundreds of millions of active users, high levels of mobile IPv6 traffic, and robust policy mechanisms in place, China is not only approaching its 2025 benchmarks but also laying the foundation for a fully IPv6-enabled future.

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