China witnesses 298 million internet users

China has witnessed a fast-growing population of Internet users. The Internet users in China has risen to 298 million after passing the United States last year to become the world's largest.

According to China Internet Network Information Center, the latest figure is a 41.9 percent increase over the same period as compared to that of last year.

China's Internet penetration rate is still low, with just 22.6 percent of its population online, which leaves more room for rapid growth.

China's Internet use is growing at explosive rates despite government efforts to block access to material deemed subversive or pornographic. Regulators are in the middle of a crackdown on sites accused of carrying sexually explicit material.

However, the financial size of China's online market still trails that of United States, South Korea and few other countries.

According to research firm Nielsen Online, the United States had an estimated 223.1 million Internet users in June.

China is preparing to launch third generation mobile phone service, which supports wireless Web surfing- that is expected to set off a new surge in Internet use.

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