China’s internet penetration rate had reached 64.5 percent, up by 4.9 percent from 2018, according to the CNNIC report. Among China’s internet users, 255 million are from rural areas, with a 46-percent internet penetration rate, up 7.8 percent from 2018. The report attributes rural internet usage growth to China’s efforts in expanding coverage and enhancing digital development in the countryside, helping rural residents keep up with the global pace. Today, 710 million people shop online, an increase of 100 million compared to 2018. In 2019, China’s online retail sales reached 10.63 trillion yuan ($1.5 trillion), of which 8.52 trillion yuan ($1.2 trillion) were physical goods, accounting for 20.7 percent of retail sales on consumer goods, according to the report.

Source: Manila Times April 28, 2020 16:41 UTC