Haikou City. (Source: vcg.com)

China's National Data Administration announced on August 18 the launch of a pilot program for international cooperation in the data sector at the 2026 SCO Digital Economy Forum.

The first group of pilots, which includes 10 provincial-level regions, including Shanghai and Hainan, will concentrate on six key areas such as data infrastructure, standards and protocols, and cross-border service ecosystems. Tailored plans will be created for each pilot site.

Hainan has been assigned a specific focus on cross-border data flows and international data services.

In 2024, the province advanced cross-border data flow policies by implementing the Regulations on the Development of International Data Centers in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), highlighting international data center services as a priority and explicitly endorsing cross-border data exchanges.

Since launching in February 2025, the Hainan International Data Comprehensive Service Center now provides services such as cross-border data acceleration, dedicated network connectivity, and outbound data assessment consulting. It has also created a one-stop service area, providing access to all these services in one place.

Officials describe this initiative as a "Hainan model," aimed at enhancing access to cross-border data services for businesses and offering fresh support to the province's digital economy.