It is completely inaccurate to claim that China is not focused on BIM technology. Since its introduction, numerous policies related to BIM have been released consistently. In 2022 alone, dozens of BIM-related policies were issued. The editor has previously compiled a summary of these policies, which you can find in the latest BIM policy collection for 2022.
BIM Standards and Government Support Policies in China
Back in 2006, BIM was designated as a key national support project within China’s 11th Five-Year Plan.
By 2011, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development identified BIM as a primary focus for promotion in the construction industry during the 12th Five-Year Plan, as outlined in the “Outline for the Development of Informationization in China’s Construction Industry”.
In September 2013, the Ministry launched the initiative “Promotion of BIM Application in the Construction Field,” which mandated that by 2016, BIM technology must be employed during the construction phase of large government buildings exceeding 20,000 square meters.
Further solidifying BIM’s importance, the 2015 policy “Promoting the Development and Reform of the Construction Industry” officially recognized BIM technology as a key area for advancement in China.
On July 1, 2015, the 12th National People’s Congress Committee passed the National Security Law, highlighting in Article 25 the need to safeguard data security for critical information systems. Shortly after, on July 8, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress introduced the “Cybersecurity Law.” Article 35 of this law states that vendors of key foundational equipment may pose national security risks when purchasing software online, assigning the responsibility of security inspections to the national cybersecurity department. Consequently, foreign BIM software providers are subject to stringent scrutiny, and storing project information models on overseas websites or using services from foreign companies could violate these cybersecurity laws.
These policies clearly demonstrate China’s commitment to advancing BIM technology, reflecting its strategic importance and future development trajectory within the country. Despite ongoing challenges in practical BIM implementation, continuous efforts are underway to address and overcome these obstacles.
Moreover, the large scale of domestic engineering and construction projects in China offers a fertile ground for BIM technology to thrive. Industry experts predict that BIM will experience expansive growth and a broader market presence across China in the coming years.
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