After Europe ditched Windows, China follows suit with its own home-grown Linux distros

Simon Batt · XDA ·

3 min read Original article ↗
A laptop editing an image using Affinity on Linux

Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech.

Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics.

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Summary

  • China orders state-linked agencies to remove Windows 10 immediately over unspecified data security concerns.
  • Domestic Linux distros like Kylin and Unity will replace Windows in government offices.
  • The move pushes digital sovereignty, may fragment the OS market, and could boost Linux adoption and funding.

As the world wakes up to its reliance on US tech, some countries are doing their best to move away from it. A few months ago, we saw the French government move away from Windows, calling its own dependence on US tech a strategic risk. Now, China is following suit by fast-tracking its plans to remove Windows from its government offices, replacing them with in-country Linux alternatives.

China begins stripping Windows from its governmental offices

Home-made Linux distros are expected to fill the void

A laptop showing a KDE Plasma desktop with DaVinci Resolve and Bazaar open

As reported by Bloomberg, which cites "people familiar with the matter," the Chinese Ministry of State Security has just told state-linked entities to remove Windows 10 from their systems. They were planning to make this move in February 2027, but due to "data security concerns" that were not elaborated on, the transition was moved up to today.

So, what will they use to fill the gap? Bloomberg reports that China has been pushing for agencies handling sensitive data to use homegrown systems rather than relying on foreign companies. It cites Kylin Software Co. and Tongxin Software Technology Co. as potential avenues the government can take. These companies have built Kylin and Unity Operating System, respectively, with the former evolving from FreeBSD into its own OS, and the latter being based on Deepin, which itself is based on Debian.

It'll be interesting to see how the operating system market share will fragment as more people claim digital sovereignty. However, it seems Linux will be a major factor in giving people the freedom they want, and popular Linux software may see large donations to ensure it can meet its users' needs.