In China, the competition of competitions “Capture the Flag” (CTF) is recognized as one of the most advanced in the world, drawing in hundreds of teams each year. These competitions serve as the foundation for national and industry-specific contests, capturing the interest of students and professionals in the cybersecurity field. With strong state support, the growth of such events has positioned China as a leader in training cybersecurity experts.
Each year, between 45 to 56 CTF competitions take place in the country, with a total of 129 unique events identified thus far, 54 of which are repeated annually. Participation numbers can reach into the hundreds of thousands, as seen with the Wangding Cup organized by the Ministry of Public Security, attracting over 35,000 participants.
These competitions encompass various levels, including national and industry-focused contests such as those in the medical, industrial, and military sectors. State entities like the Ministry of Education, Cyberspace Administration of China, and the Academy of Sciences play a pivotal role in driving the growth of these competitions by supporting significant events at the national level, aiding in talent identification and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies.
The Wangding Cup exemplifies how competitions serve as a means of recruiting specialists to meet state demands. Winners of such competitions are included in national cybertalent databases, streamlining their entry into governmental and private organizations. Beyond recruitment, these events also serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and the testing of new strategies under simulated real-world threats.
Alongside state-sponsored events, private initiatives are flourishing in China. The XCTF League stands out as the largest hacker league in Asia, hosting teams from across the globe for both domestic and international competitions annually.
Certain competitions, like RealworldCTF, not only draw foreign participants to China but also foster international connections, including through private events like GeekCon held outside of the country. China’s commitment to international collaboration and attracting foreign talent is evident through these initiatives.