China’s Management of Electromagnetic Spectrum Resources

China seeks to lead the development of future generations of spectrum management technology. The use of wireless technologies has exploded in recent decades, and technological development is expanding the possibilities for use of the electromagnetic spectrum. As competition between the United States and China intensifies, interest has sharpened in finding better ways to manage the use of spectrum to support critical applications in areas such as warfighting, mobile communications, and remote sensing. Beijing’s approach to spectrum management has been poorly understood, but it offers important lessons regarding the benefits and drawbacks of a relatively centralized, civilian-led approach. This report therefore investigates how China manages its electromagnetic spectrum, how that spectrum is used, how China’s approach to spectrum management is impacting global standards, and what benefits (and costs) China’s approach has offered.