May 26 Guiyang-With the grand opening of 2017 International Big Data Expo in Guizhou, Premier Li Keqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, sent a congratulatory letter and mentioned blockchain technology for the first time in public speaking. In addition, Premier Li said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the digital economy.

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Premier Li Keqiang on a press conference. source: Xinhua News

Below is the congratulatory letter from Premier Li Keqiang:

On the occasion of the opening of the China International Big Data Expo 2017, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on behalf of the Chinese government to the Expo. We would like to express our sincere welcome to all delegates.
At present, a new round of technological revolution and industrial revolution is changing the world with the emergence of new technologies like big data, cloud computing, Internet of things, artificial intelligence and blockchain. The digital economy is profoundly changing the production and lifestyle of human beings, serving the role as economic growth momentum. Guizhou Province takes the initiative to adapt to this trend and has achieved positive returns. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the digital economy, pushing the innovation-driven development, following the principle of efficiency enhancement, optimizing the government service and so on to stimulate the social creativity and market vitality. Booster programs like “public innovation”, “Internet Plus”, the national big data strategy and “Made in China 2025” are integrated together to speed up the transformation of social and economic structure. China is willing to work with countries around the world to focus on frontiers, to focus on win-win situation, to promote digital economic innovation and cooperation, to share opportunities for development and to create a more intelligent and beautiful future of human society.
I wish the Expo a complete success,
Li Keqiang
Premier of the People ‘s Republic of China State Council
May 20, 2017.

In December 2016, the national “the Thirteenth Five-year plan for Information Technology” was released, in which blockchain was first listed and promoted to the level of national strategy.