China will grant temporary 5G licenses this year, the minister of industry and information technology confirmed on Thursday, as the country is entering the fast lane of 5G commercialization.

"China is expected to issue temporary 5G licenses this year," said Miao Wei, minister of industry and information technology, at the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia, without disclosing a detailed date.

Industry insiders said that the temporary 5G licenses play a critical role in the commercial use of the superfast technology.

"In terms of 5G commercialization, only when we have a well-rounded network can we achieve it," Miao added.