For both the government and businesses, it is of the utmost importance to have information on the number and demographics of Chinese netizens, fundamental resources of the internet, conditions for accessing the internet and the use of internet applications.  In 1997, after research was carried out by the relevant departments, it was decided that the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) would join up with internet organizations to collect statistics. In order to formalize and institutionalize their work, CNNIC has published the “Statistical Survey Report on the Internet Development in China” every January and July since 1998. After the report was published, it received widespread recognition and was used widely both in China and out. This is the 23^rd survey.

This work has received strong support from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other relevant national departments.  We wholeheartedly support the internet organizations, survey-supporting websites and media organizations that gave their support and co-operation for CNNIC’s survey work, helping to guarantee the smooth implementation of the survey.