Trade between China and Russia expands in digital age

More than 80 percent of Chinese foreign trade firms have an online-business arm.

According to China Internet Network Information Center, the country had 649 million Internet users by the end of 2014, and some 557 million used mobile phones to get online.

Last month, the government unveiled plans to upgrade Internet infrastructure and the logistics industry in rural areas, to encourage online spending.

"E-commerce is significant in integrating traditional and emerging industries, reducing logistics costs, encouraging entrepreneurship, creating jobs and boosting consumption," a government statement said.

Developing the sector is an important part of China's "Internet Plus" action plan, put forward by Premier Li Keqiang when he delivered the Government Work Report in early March.

The program covers the integration of mobile Internet, cloud computing, big data and the Internet of Things with modern manufacturing.

It also encourages development of industrial networks and Internet banking, and helping online companies increase their international presence.