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Who is CNNIC?
The China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) is the state-authorized domain name registry and internet information services organization responsible for core internet infrastructure and statistical research within mainland China.
- Administration and operation of the .CN country-code top-level domain and Chinese Domain Name System (DNS) (domain name infrastructure)
- Management of IP address and Autonomous System Number (ASN) allocation within its delegated scope (internet resource management)
- Operation of national internet data centers and related technical platforms (infrastructure services)
- Publishing of statistical reports and survey data on internet development in China (internet research and analytics)
- Technical support for internet governance, standards participation, and coordination with domestic and international internet organizations (internet governance support)
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More About CNNIC
The China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) operates as the national network information center for mainland China, with core responsibilities around domain name services, internet resource management, and internet data services used by enterprises, network operators, and government agencies. For enterprise technical stakeholders, CNNIC functions as the authoritative registry for .CN domains and Chinese-character domains, and as an operational entity that interfaces with global internet governance structures while supporting policies and technical frameworks defined by Chinese authorities.
In the domain name space, CNNIC manages the .CN country-code top-level domain and associated Chinese internationalized domain names (IDNs), working with accredited registrars that provide retail registration services to enterprises and institutions. This role involves operation of authoritative DNS infrastructure, implementation of domain name registration policies, and support for DNS security and stability measures. CNNIC’s work aligns with DNS standards defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and coordination processes associated with the DNS and root zone management, while conforming to regulatory and policy requirements within China.
CNNIC also participates in the allocation and management of internet number resources, including IP address blocks and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) assigned to Chinese networks, data center operators, content providers, and enterprises. These allocations interact with the global address space through arrangements defined within the Regional Internet Registry system, and are operationally critical for Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) routing, interconnection, and Traffic Engineering (TE) across Chinese and international networks. For large enterprises and service providers, CNNIC’s resource management policies influence network planning, peering design, and routing architectures.
Beyond core registry and numbering functions, CNNIC operates internet data and research services that publish statistical reports on internet penetration, user behavior, and infrastructure deployment in China. These reports are used by enterprises, regulators, and researchers for market analysis, network planning, and assessment of digital service adoption. CNNIC’s survey work relies on defined sampling frameworks and data collection methodologies, and the outputs are positioned as reference materials for both public and private sector planning.
From a technical governance perspective, CNNIC participates in international forums related to domain names, internet addressing, and standards coordination, and collaborates with domestic ministries, regulators, and industry bodies. Within an enterprise IT taxonomy, CNNIC can be categorized across three primary areas: domain name registry services (DNS and domain infrastructure), internet number resource administration (IP address and ASN management), and internet statistics and research (data and analytics on network and user metrics). These services provide foundational data and infrastructure on which local registrars, network operators, and digital service providers in China build higher-level applications and platforms.
Our description of CNNIC. Updated December 2025.
