Shanghai May See Pilot Restoration of Intl Internet Access?

Shanghai May See Pilot Restoration of International Internet Access?

The Third Session of the 16th Shanghai Municipal People's Congress kicked off on January 15 at the World Expo Center. In the "Government Work Report," it highlighted the need to streamline the flow of education, technology, and talent to drive the city forward. 

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According to Mao Xiangdong, Vice President of Shanghai Institute of Technology and a member of the Municipal People's Congress, "The development of China's modernization centers heavily relies on global interaction. Learning from developed countries and embracing new technologies, restoring access to the international internet is just around the corner."

Mao pointed out that openness has become the norm today. 

Mao emphasized that the "Internet+" era has brought about the success of companies such as Tencent, Alibaba, Douyin, and Xiaomi, which have generated millions of job opportunities. Now, in the age of AI, as long as the cross-border flow of sensitive data is properly regulated, opening up computing power and restoring international internet access will have more benefits than drawbacks.

This shift could significantly impact education, research, and innovation, creating more job opportunities across sectors. It could also boost the "AI + Entrepreneurship" boom, leading to a rise in companies like Nvidia, OpenAI, Microsoft, Tesla, Google, Facebook, and X.

Mao first recommended focusing on areas like the Free Trade Zone, Lujiazui, the China International Import Expo (CIIE), and the Hongqiao International Business District. These are hotspots for international trade, finance, and shipping, and opening up international internet access there would boost Shanghai's global competitiveness. More foreign professionals would flock to Shanghai, gradually transforming it into a truly international metropolis.

Secondly, Mao suggested that international communities like Biyun, West Hongqiao, Gubei, and Zhangjiang Nash should also be prioritized. These areas attract expats and international businesses, and restoring internet access would create a more global-friendly environment—helping Shanghai align with international norms. This would also give residents the freedom to use popular social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, contributing to Shanghai's growth as a global economic hub.

Lastly, Mao stressed the importance of bringing international internet access back to research institutions and universities. Access to global internet would facilitate collaboration, improve AI research, and allow students and faculty to tap into cutting-edge global knowledge. Tools like ChatGPT, O3, and other AI resources would be more accessible, fostering a more dynamic and innovative educational environment.

Similarly, the Shanghai Municipal Government recently released an Implementation Plan for Promoting the High-Quality Development of Digital Trade and Service Trade. The plan also mentioned "to support easier access to international internet for businesses, especially within the Shanghai Free Trade Zone and Lingang New Area."

Source: 中国经济导报、中国发展网讯 记者鲍筱兰

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