Complete Guide to Amazon Web Services (AWS) China

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud-based platform that provides a reliable and cost-effective infrastructure to power millions of businesses in 190 countries worldwide. Since its launch in 2006, AWS has become the most widely adopted platform for transforming businesses in various geographical regions. AWS offers its services on a large scale, catering to startups as well as large enterprises.

AWS is also available in China, with multiple services in the business field. Whether you’re a growing startup or a large enterprise, you can take advantage of AWS resources and services easily and comprehensively. China has great significance in various fields, and as the rise of technologies, the internet, and other inventions allowed more and more customers to begin online businesses, it has become an important market for business.

In the race of business, China has great significance in various fields. China has become an important market for business, as the rise of technologies, the internet, and other inventions allowed more and more customers to begin online businesses. It’s considered the first country outside of the United States to have more than one region equipped with AWS services. AWS China is accessible to millions of customers in two regions of China. In order to benefit from AWS China services and facilities, you need an account.

AWS Regions in China

The AWS Regions in China are operated independently and have their own set of rules and regulations that need to be followed. The Beijing region is operated by Sinnet, while the Ningxia region is operated by NWCD. These two regions are physically separated, which means that they operate independently from one another. This is due to the unique requirements of the Chinese government in regard to data privacy and security.

Customers who want to use AWS China must have a separate AWS China account, which is different from the AWS global account. This is because AWS China has its own infrastructure, and the two regions have their own unique sets of services, products, and features. As a result, customers need to create a separate AWS China account to access the services in these regions.

AWS Accounts in China

When registering for an AWS China account, customers must provide a Chinese business license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Commerce. This license serves as proof of the customer’s legal business status in China. Additionally, customers must provide personal identification information such as a Chinese national ID card or passport, and their phone number. These requirements are in compliance with the Chinese laws and regulations governing the operation of cloud services within the country.

It’s worth noting that customers who already have an AWS global account are not automatically eligible to use AWS China regions. This is because AWS China accounts are completely separate from AWS global accounts and require a separate registration process. However, customers can link their AWS China and global accounts to manage their resources and billing information in both regions.

Once registered, customers can access the AWS China console, which has the same user experience as the global console. The console provides a comprehensive dashboard for managing services, resources, and billing information. AWS China’s official website is accessible in both Beijing and Ningxia regions, making it easy for customers to log in and start using the services.

Chinese Laws and Regulatory Requirements

For security purposes, you need to fulfill the complete ICP (Internet Content Provider) process which requires customers to provide information about the owner of the website, domain name, IP address, content, and security contact person to protect customers. So the customer is much more conscious to get rid of violations by publishing documents without the ICP process. So the customers don’t publish websites without completing the ICP process. However, these steps are taken to protect customers from the violations. Only a valid Chinese business license from the Bureau of industry and commerce will give you access to an AWS account.

Additionally, it is important to note that the Chinese government has strict regulations and requirements for data privacy and security. This includes the requirement for data to be stored within China’s borders, which is why AWS China regions are isolated from the global AWS network.

AWS China regions have also undergone a separate certification process to ensure compliance with Chinese regulations. For example, AWS China (Beijing) region is ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certified, while AWS China (Ningxia) region is ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 22301 certified.

Furthermore, AWS China regions comply with the Multi-Level Protection Scheme (MLPS), a set of security regulations designed specifically for China’s information security management system. AWS China customers are responsible for ensuring that their applications and data are also compliant with Chinese laws and regulations.

AWS Services in China

All core AWS services like EC2, S3, IAM, VPC, and RDS are available in the China region, but not all services are available. However, all remaining services are being added over time, and there has been a substantial increase in the past few years. Here’s a list of AWS services that are currently available in China:

AWS China Gateway

AWS China Gateway is an initiative that provides customers in China with ways to understand specific services and proactively share information with customers. Its goal is to provide a one-stop service to customers outside of China to leverage the AWS China regions.
One of the key components of the AWS China Gateway is the AWS Global Infrastructure Partner (GIP) program. This program provides customers outside of China with access to partners who can assist with navigating the complexities of operating in China, including compliance with Chinese regulations and navigating the unique infrastructure of the AWS China regions.

The AWS China Gateway also offers resources such as whitepapers, case studies, and technical documentation to help customers outside of China better understand the services available in the AWS China regions and how to best utilize them. Additionally, customers can engage with AWS China experts through webinars and other virtual events to gain insight into the latest trends and best practices.

AWS Marketplace in China

AWS Marketplace in China recently announced the availability of its official website in the AWS China (Ningxia) Region and AWS China (Beijing) Region. AWS China marketplace is an online digital catalog that makes it easy for customers to find, test, deploy, and manage third-party software. Likewise, the AWS China marketplace now offers more than 100 software in numerous classes such as data analytics, networking, security, storage, business application, and operating system. This saves customers valuable time and effort, allowing them to focus on their core business operations.

One of the key benefits of AWS Marketplace in China is the ease of purchasing and deployment. Customers can purchase software through the marketplace using their existing AWS account in China, and can deploy the software directly to their AWS China environment with just a few clicks. This eliminates the need for complex procurement processes and reduces the time and cost involved in deploying new software.

Another benefit of AWS Marketplace in China is the ability to easily manage software licenses. Many software vendors offer pay-as-you-go pricing models or hourly billing options, allowing customers to pay only for the software they use. This can be particularly useful for businesses with fluctuating software needs or seasonal workloads.

AWS Partner Network (APN) program

In China, the APN program is available to AWS China partners who meet the specific requirements set by Chinese authorities. To participate in the program, partners need to have a valid Chinese business license, operate in the AWS China regions, and comply with Chinese laws and regulations.

The APN program in China is a significant opportunity for partners to gain access to AWS resources and benefits, including training, technical support, and business development opportunities. The program helps Chinese partners build their capabilities and achieve their business goals by providing them with access to a vast network of AWS experts and resources.

The APN program in China is designed to enable partners to offer their customers a range of AWS services, including compute, storage, networking, security, machine learning, and more. By leveraging the program’s benefits, Chinese partners can develop and deploy innovative solutions that meet their customers’ needs and requirements.

Moreover, AWS China has a dedicated team that works with APN partners to help them develop and grow their businesses in the Chinese market. The team provides partners with technical support, business development resources, and marketing assistance to help them accelerate their growth and success.

Best practices for AWS China

Here are some best practices for using AWS China:

How Rahi Can Support Businesses Adopt AWS in China

We are a global IT solutions provider that has extensive experience helping businesses adopt AWS in China.
Our team of experts can provide a range of services to support your adoption of the AWS platform, including:

Our team has already helped many Western companies successfully adopt and integrate AWS in China, and we can also bring that expertise to your business. With our support, you can leverage the power of AWS to drive your digital transformation and grow your business in China.

Conclusion

AWS China offers a reliable and low-cost infrastructure platform to power millions of businesses in China. However, due to Chinese laws and regulations, customers must fulfill specific requirements to access AWS China resources and services. AWS China operates in two regions, Beijing and Ningxia, and is operated by separate service providers. AWS China offers core services like EC2, S3, IAM, VPC, RDS, and other services that are being added over time. Customers can also take advantage of AWS China Gateway, AWS Marketplace in China, and the AWS Partner Network (APN) program to enhance their experience with AWS China.