BEIJING - China had 1.125 billion internet users by the end of 2025, with the penetration rate climbing to 80.1 percent, according to an official industry report.

The report, released by the China Internet Network Information Center on Thursday, underscores broader adoption of generative AI technology across the country's consumer and industrial sectors, with user numbers reaching 602 million.

The report reaches the conclusion that China's internet sector had achieved "significant progress" during the 2021-2025 period, citing expanded coverage, deeper application and improved technological innovation.