Why is VPN necessary for those who study and work in China?

Using VPN in China.

In the past year, the use of VPN in China has nearly doubled. Despite China's strict regulations on internet control, data from Techopedia, a technology media, reveals this trend. International news agencies, such as VOA from the United States, have also cited this information.

China blocks access to various types of websites and online services that we use in our daily lives, such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. This makes accessing information and communicating with people outside China difficult. For foreigners studying or working in China, using these international platforms is crucial, whether for work, education, or staying in touch with family and friends abroad.

One of the main challenges of living in China is accessing the internet outside China, which restricts access to foreign websites and services. VPNs have thus become essential tools that allow users to securely and privately access the internet outside China. Using VPNs helps users bypass website blocks and internet censorship, enabling access to restricted information and services.

Although China has its own online platforms such as Douyin (Chinese TikTok), Xiaohongshu (similar to Instagram), WeChat (comparable to LINE), Weibo (similar to Facebook+Twitter), and Baidu (comparable to Google), these platforms cannot replace the familiarity of international platforms for many people. This is especially true for those who need to work with foreign companies or communicate with people abroad. Using VPNs helps smooth out work and study processes, such as using Google Drive for collaborative work or using Zoom for online meetings with international colleagues.

The continuous influx of international students to study in China includes Thai students traveling for further education. VPN usage enables students to access educational and research resources that are not directly accessible due to censorship. It also allows them to use familiar communication platforms such as Line, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. (Did you know? The TikTok version used by us Thais is the international version, separate from Douyin or Chinese TikTok, which cannot be accessed directly in China.)

Investing in VPN services in China.

Over the past two years, international news sources have reported that China has been attempting to improve its business environment to attract foreign investment, including enhancing online services in China. The latest news reveals that China will increase the number of VPN services in the country and allow more foreign investment in VPNs, with foreign investment share allowed up to 50% of each VPN service. This initiative will start in certain areas such as Beijing, the capital city of China.

However, despite China's move to increase investment in VPN services, it still remains under the control of the Chinese government. Service providers must obtain licenses from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which is one of the two major regulatory bodies overseeing the country's technology industry. This is to maintain data security and control access to information within China.

Using a VPN in China remains essential for foreigners and those who need access to the global internet. Choosing the right VPN helps ensure seamless access to necessary information and services, facilitating smooth living in China, whether for studying, working, or communicating with family and friends back in Thailand.

Using a VPN not only helps access blocked content but also enhances security while browsing the internet. By encrypting data, online activities become much safer.

Finally, we hope this article helps everyone understand the importance of using VPNs for those studying and working in China, making life in China smoother and more seamless. ^^