John Wang on China’s approach to blockchain: “I think it’s good news for people working in the blockchain industry.”

In the coming years, China plans on integrating support for new technologies outlined in its ‘ABCD Plan’ that encapsulates driving artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, and data-driven technologies. In an interview on TomoChain’s new Think Outside the Block series, Neo Global Development (NGD) Eco Growth manager, John Wang, discussed how blockchain is being explored for integration into smart cities and to remove barriers of data sharing among various branches of government.

In the past five years, China has focused on integrating technology solutions to modernize a large swath of its cities.

For example, Beijing has integrated a social services card program that stores citizens’ health records (i.e., identity documents, social security, health conditions, and education information) in one digital location. Alternatively, Shanghai has integrated real-time data into public transit network stations. And, Hangzhou has seen growth in a variety of unmanned restaurants and retail stores that make use of payments via mobile phones.

Wang noted that Neo is “currently talking with a big company in China, focusing on smart cities. We want to provide [them with] our [blockchain] solution. So, when they build smart city solutions [across] different [sectors], they can also integrate [the Neo] blockchain.”

Wang also highlighted conversations he has had with Huawei, indicating that the Chinese multinational technology company seeks to use blockchain as a data storage solution to increase the efficiency of sharing information across Beijing’s various government agencies.

Currently, each branch uses different systems to store information, creating silos that make data sharing difficult. In the Think Outside the Block interview, Wang noted an example of data sharing between a local police agency and the regional tax department. He pointed out these entities will likely still need the approval to share data amongst one another, but trusted information stored on a blockchain can be shared much more quickly.

Regarding the ABCD plan, Wang said, “In the future, the Chinese government is going to spend a lot of effort and [put] resources into these areas. I think it’s good news for people working in the blockchain industry.”

In Q4 2019, Neo and TomoChain established a strategic partnership to “[leverage] their respective strengths to accelerate ecosystem development” by attracting users and talented developers. In December 2019, the two entities collaborated on co-hosting a meetup and developer workshop in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The full interview can be found below: