Shenzhen–Hong Kong secure cross-border data channel passes first test

Overview

On July 3, 2025, the Shenzhen Qianhai Authority announced that the Shenzhen–Hong Kong secure and convenient cross-border data channel had passed its first test. On July 1, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital ran the first trial, successfully transmitting data through the channel to eHealth, Hong Kong's electronic health record sharing system. The announcement described the test as new technical progress in data connectivity between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, supporting the alignment of rules, the cross-border flow of production factors and the integration of healthcare systems.

Background

A growing number of Hong Kong residents seek medical care in Shenzhen and other mainland cities of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Hong Kong SAR Government has introduced measures such as the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme and the Hospital Authority's Greater Bay Area patient support pilot scheme, making convenience in cross-border care an important issue. Until now, the focus had been on Hong Kong residents using eHealth to take their own health data "northbound"; this test aims to enable mainland medical data to travel "southbound".

Cross-border data transfers are governed by China's national framework for data export security, together with measures being developed under the Memorandum of Understanding on Facilitating Cross-boundary Data Flow within the GBA. Qianhai, as the Qianhai Shenzhen–Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, is positioned as a pilot area for such institutional innovation.

Key Points

• Infrastructure: The channel is built on a dedicated Shenzhen–Hong Kong data line of the National (Shenzhen-Qianhai) New-type Internet Exchange Center.
• Technology: Blockchain and privacy-preserving computation are used to build a full-chain management and service model, aiming to make end-to-end transmission compliant, controllable, risk-visible and traceable, with enhanced protection for personal data.
• Agencies involved: the Cyberspace Affairs Office of Shenzhen, the Qianhai Authority, the Shenzhen Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and the Shenzhen Health Commission, together with Hong Kong's Health Bureau and Digital Policy Office.
• Intended use: Subject to the laws of both sides, the two sides will study practical arrangements for the secure, compliant and convenient exchange of electronic medical records and test reports. The hospital said it envisages patients being examined in Shenzhen and having results instantly available at follow-up visits in Hong Kong.

The announcement did not give figures such as data volume or transmission time. The list of participants shows that the initiative involves several departments, covering cyberspace affairs, Hong Kong and Macao affairs and health, working together with Hong Kong government bodies.

Implications for Japan–Shenzhen Exchange

Healthcare is leading the way for now, but if the institutional and technical foundations mature, the model may be extended to other fields. Many Japanese companies in the GBA run regional headquarters in Hong Kong alongside production or R&D sites in Shenzhen, so procedures and compliance requirements for cross-border data transfer are directly relevant to their operations and are attracting attention.

Healthcare is also an area of strong interest for Japanese medical device makers and digital health companies. The pilots under way in Shenzhen and Hong Kong may offer useful reference points on the direction of rule-making for data use, and keeping track of changes in GBA data rules is seen as practically meaningful for Japanese firms considering data-related cooperation with Shenzhen partners.

Outlook

On July 7, Qianhai went on to release three products: a Shenzhen–Hong Kong data center, the Qianhai medical cross-border data space, and a cross-border data compliance service platform for companies expanding overseas. However, when and to what extent electronic medical records will be exchanged on a regular basis remains subject to further study by the two sides, and no timetable has been announced.

From the Association

The Association will continue to follow institutional reforms in Shenzhen, including in Qianhai, and the development of cooperation within the Greater Bay Area. We remain committed to sharing information on Shenzhen and providing a platform for exchange for Japanese companies and partners.