Mobile phones become the most used internet devices

A new industry report shows that, for the first time, mobile phones have become the most used internet device in China.

Analysis compiled by the China Internet Network Information Center shows that as of the end of June, the number of mobile internet users has come in at nearly 530 million.

Liu Bing, deputy director of the center, says a surge in mobile payments is leading the drive.

"Over 200 million Chinese use mobile phones to pay their bills, up 63.4 percent in the first six months. Utilization rate of online payments among all Chinese mobile phone users increased from 25.1 percent by the end of last year to 38.9 percent. It's the fastest growing internet function."

The new study also shows people in China are spending more time on the internet, with the weekly average now sitting at just under 26-hours.

The figure was 25 hours in the second half of last year.