Yao Qian, a key developer in China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) project, called on the Chinese government to increase the development of web3 technology. In an academic article, Qian said strengthening web3 research was important to China’s future internet infrastructure.
Qian had led the People’s Bank of China’s digital currency initiative. He then served as the Director General of the Science and Technology Regulatory Bureau of China’ securities regulator.
In a paper published in the China Journal of Finance, Qian outlined the benefits of web3, calling it a user-centric system that gives online users more autonomy over their identity and data. Qian also laid out five steps through which the government could foster web3 innovation.
After 30 years of development, the Internet is now at an important point in the evolution of Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. Strengthening Web 3.0 forward-looking research and strategic prediction is undoubtedly of great significance to the construction of China’s future internet infrastructure.
-Qian
Qian’s plan for web3 development
Qian said that building high-quality web infrastructure with clear ownership, responsibilities and security is paramount to improving development. He cited limitations in the web2 model with regards to development tools and technical standards.
Good governance, according to Qian, will also promote technological innovation, by providing a safe space for developers and curbing channels for illegal activities- a major concern in China, and a key driver behind its banning of cryptocurrencies last year.
Establishing common standards, and promoting interoperability between networks will open collaboration over the internet, Qian says. He also called on the government to establish clear and fair digital tax rules, along with a legal framework for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).