China's State Council Deploys Next-Generation Communications Network Buildout: Expected to Drive ~7 Trillion Yuan in Output Over Five Years Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council Executive Meeting on Aug. 21 to review progress on the next-generation communications network, making clear that China should adhere to an application-driven and moderately forward-leaning approach, coordinate the buildout of foundational, space-based, international, and converged network infrastructure, and consolidate and enhance the competitive advantages of China's information and communications industry. This marks the second time in less than six weeks that top leadership has issued directives on the same topic, following the July 10 State Council Executive Meeting's call to "lay out digital infrastructure moderately ahead of demand and accelerate the construction of next-generation communications networks and computing power networks." The meeting noted that China should actively adapt to the new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, and firmly seize the opportunities presented by next-generation communications network construction. It called for strengthening innovation-driven development and intelligent leadership, promoting the widespread adoption of next-generation smart terminals, actively cultivating high-value scenarios such as smart cities and intelligent manufacturing, and continuously expanding the industrial ecosystem. At the same time, China should strengthen the protection of critical network infrastructure and data security, enhance emergency communications capabilities, and ensure network and information security. On the construction mechanism front, the meeting specified the need to improve a mechanism featuring government guidance, enterprise-led initiative, and broad social participation, ensure adequate supply of land, electricity, spectrum, and other essential factors, and stimulate the enthusiasm of all types of market participants. What Makes the Next-Generation Communications Network "New" The next-generation communications network is a core component of China's "Six Networks" top-level design. The "Six Networks" refer to the water network, the new-type power grid, the computing power network, the next-generation communications