China 5G Network Security Market - Forecasts From 2025 To 2030
Description
China 5G Network Security Market is anticipated to expand at a high CAGR over the forecast period.
China 5G Network Security Market Key Highlights
- Regulatory Imperative Drives Demand: The implementation of the Data Security Law (DS-Law) and the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) mandates critical information infrastructure operators to enforce strict data classification and cross-border transfer security, creating immediate demand for advanced Security Analytics & Monitoring and Cloud Security solutions.
- Transition to 5G-Advanced (5G-A) Catalyzes New Segment Demand: Leading vendors, including Huawei and ZTE, have accelerated the commercial launch of 5G-A/5.5G equipment in 2024 and 2025, with a focus on integrating AI-native capabilities. This shift directly necessitates novel Network Encryption and Identity & Access Management (IAM) solutions capable of securing the expanded attack surface of AI-driven networks and a projected 100 billion IoT connections.
- Enterprise 5G Adoption Fuels Private Network Security: The increasing deployment of private 5G networks, exemplified by licenses granted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for industrial applications, compels enterprises in manufacturing and aviation to invest in integrated, secure On-Premise solutions, bypassing traditional telecom security models.
- Core Architecture Shifts Demand to Cloud and Edge Security: The cloud-native and service-based architecture (SBA) of the 5G Core, combined with the proliferation of Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), shifts the traditional security perimeter model to a distributed, Zero Trust-based framework, dramatically increasing demand for specialized Edge/MEC Security and Cloud Security & Virtualization Security services.
The Chinese 5G Network Security Market is in a phase of accelerated evolution, driven by the nation's strategic imperative to lead in next-generation connectivity and digital transformation. As the world's most extensive 5G network expands its Standalone (SA) architecture nationwide, the underlying shift from hardware-centric perimeters to software-defined, cloud-native infrastructure is rewriting the cybersecurity mandate for telecom operators, government agencies, and industrial enterprises. This transformation, amplified by proactive government regulation concerning data sovereignty and critical infrastructure protection, has solidified network security as an indispensable operational layer rather than an ancillary concern.
China 5G Network Security Market Analysis
Growth Drivers
The massive scale of Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) and the ultra-low latency requirements of services like autonomous driving and industrial automation directly propel market expansion. This enormous influx of IoT devices, often with limited onboard security capabilities, forces network operators and enterprises to adopt robust, centralized Identity & Access Management (IAM) and DDoS Protection solutions to secure the expanded attack surface. Furthermore, the 5G core's reliance on Network Slicing—the practice of creating virtual, isolated end-to-end networks—is a critical security driver. Each slice represents a new attack vector and a unique service with stringent quality-of-service (QoS) requirements, making end-to-end slice isolation and dedicated slice security an absolute necessity, thereby driving the consumption of specialized network virtualization security tools.
Challenges and Opportunities
The primary challenge constraining market growth is the complexity introduced by the Cloud-Native Architecture and its multi-vendor heterogeneity. Decoupling network functions from hardware and distributing them across public, private, and hybrid clouds complicates traditional threat detection and firewall deployment, leading to demand for sophisticated, AI-enhanced Security Analytics & Monitoring tools that can integrate across diverse environments. Concurrently, a significant opportunity lies in the rapid adoption of Enterprise 5G Networks. The industrial sector's move toward private, localized 5G deployments for mission-critical operations necessitates customized, low-latency security solutions like RAN Security and Edge/MEC Security, a niche that domestic vendors are positioned to capitalize on by offering managed security services (MSS) tailored for industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments.
Supply Chain Analysis
The Chinese 5G network security supply chain is predominantly characterized by a high degree of domestic vertical integration, particularly among major infrastructure vendors like Huawei and ZTE, which manufacture both the base hardware (Radio Access Network, Core equipment) and the accompanying security software. This integrated model provides a competitive advantage in delivering optimized, end-to-end 5G Security solutions, though it raises questions concerning vendor lock-in. Key dependencies exist in advanced semiconductor components, which, while being an upstream input for the physical networking gear, impact the performance of the integrated security functions (e.g., encryption throughput). The software and service elements of the chain—including specialized algorithm development for AI-driven threat detection and managed service deployment—remain largely domestic and benefit from China's concentrated pool of cybersecurity talent and strategic R&D investment.
Government Regulations
| Jurisdiction | Key Regulation / Agency | Market Impact Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| People's Republic of China (PRC) | Cybersecurity Law (CSL) (2017) | Establishes the foundation for cybersecurity governance and mandates critical information infrastructure (CII) operators, including telecom firms, to conduct annual security assessments. This creates mandatory, recurring demand for Security Testing & Compliance services. |
| People's Republic of China (PRC) | Data Security Law (DS-Law) (2021) | Categorizes data (Core State Data, Important Data) and imposes significant legal responsibility on network operators for protection. The resulting high-stakes compliance environment directly forces demand for advanced Data Loss Prevention and certified Encryption solutions, especially for data transmission. |
| People's Republic of China (PRC) | Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) (2021) | Governs the collection, use, and cross-border transfer of personal information, requiring explicit consent and security assessments. This drives mandatory demand for sophisticated Identity & Access Management (IAM) and advanced user-level Security Analytics to prove compliance and track data lineage. |
| Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) | 5G Spectrum Licensing and Deployment Plans | MIIT's accelerated spectrum allocation and promotion of 5G Standalone (SA) architecture deployment necessitate the rapid rollout of end-to-end security measures. This directly generates demand for new, dedicated 5G Core Security solutions that are distinct from legacy 4G security infrastructure. |
In-Depth Segment Analysis
By Solutions/Services: Cloud Security & Virtualization Security
The market for Cloud Security & Virtualization Security is experiencing exponential demand due to the foundational architectural shift within 5G networks. Unlike previous generations, the 5G Core is built on a cloud-native, Service-Based Architecture (SBA) using virtualization technologies like Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and containerization. This core transition has rendered traditional perimeter firewalls ineffective. The direct growth driver here is the need to secure the virtualized infrastructure itself, a task encompassing securing the hypervisor, the virtual network functions (VNFs), and the container orchestration layers (e.g., Kubernetes). Furthermore, Network Slicing—a commercial imperative for 5G—creates multiple isolated virtual networks on a shared physical infrastructure. Security solutions must ensure that a breach in one slice (e.g., an eMBB slice for video streaming) cannot propagate to a critical slice (e.g., an URLLC slice for telemedicine). This architectural requirement generates non-negotiable demand for specialized cloud-native firewalls, micro-segmentation tools, and dynamic security policy managers that operate within the virtual environment, ensuring the integrity and isolation of mission-critical services.
By End-User: Enterprise 5G Networks
The Enterprise 5G Networks end-user segment's growth is fundamentally driven by the industrial necessity for ultra-reliable, low-latency, and localized connectivity that public networks cannot guarantee. Companies in manufacturing, energy, and logistics are deploying dedicated private 5G networks—either On-Premise (Non-Public Networks) or through localized slices—to enable Industry 4.0 applications like real-time robotic control and high-definition machine vision. The specific demand for security solutions in this segment centers on the integration of 5G with Operational Technology (OT) security. Traditional OT networks are highly vulnerable but must now interface with the 5G RAN and Core. Consequently, enterprises require security solutions that provide deep visibility into the merged IT/OT domain, specifically demanding industrial-grade firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and tailored Identity & Access Management (IAM) for connected IoT and OT devices. This need for customized security, far exceeding the requirements of standard public networks, is a powerful catalyst for the growth of managed security services (MSS) and consulting in the enterprise sector.
Competitive Environment and Analysis
The Chinese 5G Network Security Market exhibits a unique competitive dynamic dominated by large domestic telecommunications equipment manufacturers and specialized domestic cybersecurity firms. The integrated nature of 5G infrastructure often favors the major equipment vendors who can embed security directly into the network architecture.
Huawei
Huawei is positioned as the dominant, end-to-end security and infrastructure provider, leveraging its global leadership in 5G RAN and Core equipment. Its strategy is one of ubiquitous, embedded security—integrating protection measures directly into the network architecture (e.g., RAN, Transport, and Core security). This allows Huawei to offer pre-validated, highly optimized security features that are often an integral part of their network equipment sales.
Key Products/Services: The company actively promotes solutions supporting 5G-Advanced (5.5G) network evolution. In June 2024, Huawei announced the commercial launch of its full set of 5.5G network equipment, which includes intrinsic security functions to manage the complexities of AI-native networks and the massive scale of IoT. This portfolio focuses on AI for Networks (using AI to enhance network security and resilience) and Networks for AI (securing the transmission layer for AI services), ensuring its security offerings remain synchronized with its next-generation infrastructure rollout.
ZTE
ZTE positions itself as a critical player in the 5G-Advanced era, focusing on innovative solutions for new-era services, particularly those demanding deterministic network performance. Its strategy targets the convergence of 5G, AI, and industrial digitalization, aiming to secure highly specialized use cases like smart manufacturing and intelligent vehicles.
Key Products/Services: ZTE actively introduced its UniEngine product line for private industrial networks. In February 2024, ZTE exhibited the UniEngine ZXRAN V1100A, an integrated computing and networking product specifically tailored for industrial private networks. This product merges the 5G core, wireless network, and an O&M portal, addressing the acute security and deployment complexity challenges facing enterprise end-users. More recently, in June 2025, ZTE launched the 5G-A AgentGuard solution, specifically designed to ensure deterministic network capability and enhance intelligent service awareness for new AI agent applications, demonstrating a commitment to securing the most advanced segments of the 5G-A network.
Recent Market Developments
- June 2025: ZTE Launches 5G-A AgentGuard Solution ZTE Corporation unveiled its 5G-A AgentGuard solution at MWC Shanghai 2025. This launch is a direct response to the rising adoption of AI agents in services, which demand high uplink bandwidth and low-latency network determinism. The AgentGuard solution leverages native-AI capabilities to dynamically identify and provide granular resource allocation and policy guarantees for specific AI-generated tasks, marking a critical product launch focused on securing the performance and execution of next-generation AI services on the 5G network.
- June 2024: Huawei Showcases Commercial 5G-A Offerings Huawei officially confirmed the commercial launch of its full suite of 5.5G (5G-A) products and solutions, utilizing MWC Shanghai 2024 as the platform to showcase live commercial experiences. This development is significant as it confirms a major shift in the underlying infrastructure, requiring a corresponding security upgrade. The company's focus was explicitly on accelerating 5G-A deployment from the perspective of both "Networks for AI" and "AI for Networks," necessitating inherent security features for handling 10 Gbit/s speeds and massive IoT connections.
- February 2024: ZTE Exhibits UniEngine ZXRAN V1100A ZTE Corporation exhibited its integrated computing and networking product, the UniEngine ZXRAN V1100A, at MWC Barcelona 2024. Designed for Industrial Private Networks, the UniEngine is a hyper-converged device that integrates the 5G core network, wireless network, NodeEngine computing power, and an enterprise O&M portal. This product launch addresses the specific demand for a simplified, secure, and highly integrated solution for industrial end-users, directly reducing the complexity and cost of deploying secure, mission-critical 5G networks in manufacturing and other industrial settings.
China 5G Network Security Market Segmentation
- BY SOLUTIONS/SERVICES
- Solutions
- Firewalls & Threat Protection
- DDoS Protection
- Identity & Access Management (IAM)
- Network Encryption & VPNs
- Security Analytics & Monitoring
- Cloud Security & Virtualization Security
- Services
- Managed Security Services (MSS)
- Consulting & Integration
- Security Testing & Compliance
- Solutions
- BY DEPLOYMENT
- On-Premise
- Cloud-Based
- BY NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
- 5G Security
- RAN Security
- Edge/MEC Security
- Transport Network Security
- BY END USER
- Telecom Operators
- Government & Defense Networks
- Enterprise 5G Networks
Table Of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2. MARKET SNAPSHOT
2.1. Market Overview
2.2. Market Definition
2.3. Scope of the Study
2.4. Market Segmentation
3. BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
3.1. Market Drivers
3.2. Market Restraints
3.3. Market Opportunities
3.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
3.5. Industry Value Chain Analysis
3.6. Policies and Regulations
3.7. Strategic Recommendations
4. TECHNOLOGICAL OUTLOOK
5. CHINA 5G NETWORK SECURITY MARKET BY SOLUTIONS/SERVICES
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Solutions
5.2.1. Firewalls & Threat Protection
5.2.2. DDoS Protection
5.2.3. Identity & Access Management (IAM)
5.2.4. Network Encryption & VPNs
5.2.5. Security Analytics & Monitoring
5.2.6. Cloud Security & Virtualization Security
5.3. Services
5.3.1. Managed Security Services (MSS)
5.3.2. Consulting & Integration
5.3.3. Security Testing & Compliance
6. CHINA 5G NETWORK SECURITY MARKET BY DEPLOYMENT
6.1. Introduction
6.2. On-Premise
6.3. Cloud-Based
7. CHINA 5G NETWORK SECURITY MARKET BY NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
7.1. Introduction
7.2. 5G Security
7.3. RAN Security
7.4. Edge/MEC Security
7.5. Transport Network Security
8. CHINA 5G NETWORK SECURITY MARKET BY END USER
8.1. Introduction
8.2. Telecom Operators
8.3. Government & Defense Networks
8.4. Enterprise 5G Networks
9. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS
9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis
9.2. Market Share Analysis
9.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations
9.4. Competitive Dashboard
10. COMPANY PROFILES
10.1. Huawei
10.2. ZTE
10.3. H3C
10.4. TopSec
10.5. Sangfor Technologies
10.6. Venustech
10.7. Neusoft
10.8. NSFOCUS
10.9. Qihoo 360 (360 Security)
10.10. Alibaba
10.11. Hillstone Networks
10.12. Inspur
11. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF TABLES
Companies Profiled
Huawei
ZTE
H3C
TopSec
Sangfor Technologies
Venustech
Neusoft
NSFOCUS
Qihoo 360 (360 Security)
Alibaba
Hillstone Networks
Inspur
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