BEIJING -- China has built around 580,000 5G base stations this year amid efforts to advance new infrastructure development, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said Thursday.

All prefecture-level cities are now covered by the 5G network, said Wen Ku, spokesperson for the ministry, at a press conference.

The country has accelerated 5G development this year, expanding its network while encouraging a variety of 5G applications, he added.

Shipments of 5G mobile phones reached 144 million units in the first 11 months this year, with 199 new models hitting the market.

The ministry will continue to build high-quality 5G networks and data centers while promoting the applications of 5G technology in fields including manufacturing, energy and transport, Wen said.