New statistics from the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) say that there are now 253 million people connected in China, compared to 223 million in the USA, making them the biggest net nation in the world. This figure is up an amazing 56% from the same time last year.

This is particularly interesting as the US has held the record for the most number of people connected to the internet since records began. This also gives us an indication of how fast China is growing as more and more Chinese can afford technologies that up until now were not commonplace in the country.

Broadband is apparently the most used in China, with 95% of those connecting up via high-speed connections. Despite this huge increase, the BBC report that the China’s net economy is still behind other countries.

Despite having a greater number of people online, China’s net economy still has a long way to go to match or exceed that of the US or even that of South Korea.

Figures from Analysys International said China’s net firms reported total revenues of $5.9bn (£2.96bn) in 2007. By contrast net advertising revenue alone for US firms in 2007 stood at $21.2bn (£10.6bn).

It is expected by 2012 that there will be 490 million connected users in China alone.