All three Chinese mobile operators are currently conducting live 5G trials as part of a multi-year plan that includes research and development, and a network deployment strategy with a view to a large scale commercial launch by 2020, according to the report released at the ongoing Mobile World Congress Shanghai.

It emphasized that China's pre-commercial and commercial launch footprints will also be among the largest in the world in terms of base stations.

China's leading role in 5G is backed by a proactive government intent on delivering rapid structural change, said Mats Granryd, director general of GSMA.

"Chinese mobile operators should be encouraged to deliver what they do best in providing secure, reliable, and intelligent connectivity to businesses and enterprises across the country," said Granryd.