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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Ms. Cao Shumin, vice minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)

Ms. Qi Xiaoxia, director general of the International Cooperation Bureau of the CAC

Mr. Yang Shuzhen, director general of the Policy Research Bureau of the CAC

Ms. Sun Weimin, director general of the Cybersecurity Coordination Bureau of the CAC

Mr. Wang Song, director general of the Informatization Development Bureau of the CAC

Mr. Chen Renze, an official of the Cyber Communication Bureau of the CAC

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and SCIO spokesperson

Date:

Nov. 7, 2022

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, the SCIO published a white paper titled "Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace," and organized this press conference to introduce and interpret its main content.

The white paper fully implements Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly puts into practice the guiding principles from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and provides a comprehensive picture of the achievements in the development and management of the internet in China since the 18th CPC National Congress. The document elaborates on China's concepts, actions and contributions in strengthening international communication and cooperation in cyberspace and promoting the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace. It also puts forward China's proposals on creating a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

At around 24,000 Chinese characters, the white paper consists of preface, main body and conclusion. The main body is divided into four parts: "Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace Is Essential in the Information Age," "Development and Management of the Internet in China," "China's Contribution to Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace" and "China's Proposals on Creating a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace."

The white paper is published in eight languages — Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese — by the People's Publishing House and Foreign Languages Press. It is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country.

To help you better understand the white paper, we have invited Ms. Cao Shumin, vice minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC); Ms. Qi Xiaoxia, director general of the International Cooperation Bureau of the CAC; Mr. Yang Shuzhen, director general of the Policy Research Bureau of the CAC; Ms. Sun Weimin, director general of the Cybersecurity Coordination Bureau of the CAC; Mr. Wang Song, director general of the Informatization Development Bureau of the CAC; and Mr. Chen Renze, an official of the Cyber Communication Bureau of the CAC. They will brief you on relevant information and then take your questions.

Now, I'll give the floor to Ms. Cao Shumin.

Cao Shumin:

Thank you, Ms. Xing. Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. It is my pleasure to brief you on the white paper "Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace."

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has proactively conformed to the development trends of the information revolution, attached great importance to the internet, and engaged in development and governance of the internet. It has promoted coordinated progress in the development of cybersecurity and information technology (IT) and contributed to the historic achievements and changes in the sectors in China. In December 2015 during the second World Internet Conference (WIC), General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the building of "a community with a shared future in cyberspace." The proposal expressed China's sincere wish to cooperate with the rest of the world in promoting the development of management of the internet. It also offered Chinese solutions and contributed Chinese wisdom to the sector.

Next, I will brief you on the main content of the white paper from four aspects.

First, building a community with a shared future in cyberspace is essential in the information age.

The world is currently undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century. The new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation are gaining momentum. Problems with the internet such as unbalanced development, unsound regulation and unreasonable order are becoming more prominent, and cyber-hegemonism poses a new threat to world peace and development. Cyberspace governance requires more just, reasonable and effective solutions, and global threats and challenges necessitate joint efforts from around the world.

General Secretary Xi Jinping's important concept of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace has elaborated on a series of major principles and proposals for global internet development and governance. It comprises four principles: respecting cyber sovereignty, safeguarding peace and security, promoting openness and cooperation, and maintaining good order. It also noted that we should hold to a vision of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in global governance; we should contribute to building a peaceful, secure, open, cooperative and orderly cyberspace; and we should build cyberspace into a community of common development and shared security, responsibility and interests.

The second aspect is the development and management of the internet in China.

The development and management of the internet in China has provided strong support for the nation's high-quality growth. This is summarized in the white paper from seven aspects.

First, the digital economy is thriving. By 2021, the value of the digital economy had reached 45.5 trillion yuan, accounting for 39.8% of GDP, and has become a major engine of growth for the nation's economy. Second, digital technologies have brought benefits and convenience to the people. China has proactively promoted internet application in public service sectors such as education and medical services, and fully leveraged the key role of the internet in promoting poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. Third, the legal framework for cyberspace continues to improve. China has established a complete cyber law system and enforced a number of laws such as the Cybersecurity Law, Data Security Law and Personal Information Protection Law. This has boosted the sound development of the internet within the bounds of the law. Fourth, China has developed rich and varied online content. Positive and mainstream ideas and opinions are spreading online. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has taken root in the hearts of the people, and the core socialist values are guiding the cultural development online. Fifth, the cyberspace is getting cleaner. We have launched Operation "Qinglang," promoted internet civilization and pooled positive energy. As a result, China's cyber ecosystem continues to improve. Sixth, the operation of online platforms continues to become more standardized. We have worked to improve the institutional arrangements and mechanisms which help enterprises to develop and regulate their operation. We are also stepping up regulation related to new technologies and applications, advancing the self-discipline of industry, and working to promote fair competition and orderly development on social media platforms. Seventh, China has effectively guaranteed cybersecurity. China has strengthened top-level design on cybersecurity and intensified efforts to protect critical information infrastructure. China has also enhanced its ability to ensure digital security, strengthened personal information protection and strived to crack down on cybercrimes.

The third aspect is China's contribution to building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

Over the years, China has continued to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in cyberspace. The white paper elaborated on this topic from four aspects.

Regarding cooperation on the digital economy, China has been working to promote the construction of information infrastructure. China proactively participates in cooperation on the digital economy under multilateral frameworks such as the Group of 20 (G20), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and BRICS, and contributes to the development of the digital economy globally. Regarding cybersecurity cooperation, China has been working with the international community to increase cooperation in data security and personal information protection and jointly combat cybercrime and cyberterrorism. The National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team (CNCERT) has established partnerships with 274 computer emergency response teams (CERTs) from 81 countries and regions. Regarding the governance of cyberspace, China has proactively carried out bilateral and multilateral dialogue and cooperation in cyberspace, and worked to promote the reform and development of the global internet governance system. Global exchange platforms such as the WIC Wuzhen Summit have been developed, and the WIC was established as an international organization in July this year. Here, I would also like to announce that the 2022 WIC Wuzhen Summit will officially kick off on Nov. 9. We look forward to your participation and hope you follow its updates. Regarding promoting inclusive global development, China has been proactively carrying out international cooperation in poverty alleviation through internet access, promoting online cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, and working to provide benefits to people around the world with the achievements in internet development.

At last, about China's vision of the future development of the internet. The white paper illustrated China's proposal to create a closer community with a shared future in cyberspace regarding cyberspace development, governance, security and cooperation.

The 20th CPC National Congress has pointed out the direction for building strength in cyberspace, digital technologies, and international cooperation. Guided by the concept of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, China will cooperate with the international community to promote the development of an open, inclusive, and vibrant cyberspace that is fairer, more rational, and secure and stable, to ensure that the internet will bring more benefits to people of all countries.

Next, my colleagues and I are very willing to answer your questions.

Xing Huina:

Okay, now you can ask questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before raising a question. 

CCTV:

As mentioned in the white paper just now, China has been deepening international exchanges and cooperation in cyberspace in recent years, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace. What are the features of international exchanges and cooperation in cyberspace in the new era?

Cao Shumin:

Thanks for your question. I will take this question. When introducing the main contents of the white paper just now, I mentioned that in recent years, China has followed the guidance of the concept of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace and carried out international exchanges and cooperation concerning cyberspace, continuously achieving positive outcomes. To sum up, the international exchanges and cooperation have several features as follows.

First, we have been committed to a people-centered approach. China is the world's largest developing country and the country with the largest number of internet users at 1.05 billion. We have upheld the people-centered development philosophy and worked to promote the development of the internet. We have tried to align its development with the laws of development in the information age and ensure its development more live up to the needs and expectations of the people to make the internet more beneficial to people throughout the world.

Second, we have been committed to openness and cooperation. General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed that openness is a major driving force for the progress of human civilization and is essential for the development and prosperity of the world. In recent years, we have been committed to openness and cooperation, upheld multilateralism, and actively built bilateral, regional, and international platforms for collaboration. We have promoted pragmatic cooperation with many countries in cybersecurity and IT to the shared expectation of the international community for deepening dialogue and cooperation in this field.

Third, we have been committed to mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. We have been practicing the idea of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, opposing a zero-sum game and striving to make sure the achievements of internet development and governance are shared by all countries. The outcomes of exchanges and cooperation in cyberspace between China and other countries have been achieved in a host of pragmatic cooperation projects such as bridging the digital divide, facilitating the growth of the digital economy, and promoting poverty reduction, which has enhanced people-to-people connectivity and common development. 

Fourth, we have been committed to equality. It has been China's consistent view that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are entitled to equal participation in developing a global order and international rules. The future development of cyberspace should be decided by people of all countries, who should work together to create an international environment conducive to development and foster new drivers for global growth. We firmly oppose acts of bullying, the erection of walls and barriers, and any attempts to decouple and disrupt industrial and supply chains. We reject unilateralism and maximum-pressure tactics. We uphold mutual respect, seek common ground while setting aside differences, and advocate the idea that international affairs should be discussed by all involved.

Fifth, we have been committed to maintaining peace and security. We oppose the so-called absolute security for some at the expense of the interests of others and any form of arms race in cyberspace. We support jointly fighting cybercrime and cyberterrorism, oppose network eavesdropping and cyberattacks, and strengthen international cooperation on personal information protection. We have actively carried out dialogue and cooperation in cybersecurity in order to reject the Cold War mentality, uphold peace through collaboration and seek our own security through common security.

Six, we have been committed to promoting fairness and justice. Cyberspace is globally interconnected, so no country can effectively govern it alone. We have been committed to promoting governments, international organizations, enterprises, and think tanks to work together to improve dialogue and consultation mechanisms in cyberspace so that the global internet governance system can become fairer and more rational and reflect the aspirations and interests of the majority of countries in a more balanced way. Thank you.

Phoenix Satellite Television:

At the end of April this year, the U.S. government launched the Declaration for the Future of the Internet. Today, the Chinese government issued the white paper titled "Jointly Build a Community of Shared Future in Cyberspace." What's the relationship between the proposal of the Chinese government and the declaration by the U.S. government? What are the differences? Thank you.

Cao Shuming:

Thank you for your question. This question has attracted much attention from the public. Ms. Qi Xiaoxia, director general of the International Cooperation Bureau of the Cyberspace Administration of China, will answer this question. 

Qi Xiaoxia:

I'm happy to answer the reporter's question from Phoenix Satellite Television. It should be said that the white paper is fundamentally different from the so-called Declaration for the Future of the Internet. As you mentioned, a certain country launched the so-called "Declaration for the Future of the Internet" in April, trying to impose its own standards on others, drawing ideological lines in cyberspace, forming an exclusive clique to instigate division and confrontation, and violating international rules. These acts have seriously broken the solidarity of the big family of the internet and severely affected the stable development of the global internet. 

As you can see, the white paper put forward "China's proposals on creating an even stronger community with a shared future in cyberspace." What we advocate is openness, cooperation, inclusiveness, and mutual learning, and what we uphold is that cyberspace is the shared home of all of humanity and the future of cyberspace should be decided by all countries in the world, rather than by one single country or several countries.

In international cyberspace governance, we champion leveraging the role of the United Nations as the main channel. We also advocate that the international community should commit itself to extensive consultation, joint construction and shared benefits, strengthen cooperation, and jointly formulate international rules in cyberspace. 

We are willing to deepen cooperation with other countries in the world, jointly promote the reform and development of the global internet governance system, and work together to build a stronger community with a shared future in cyberspace. Thank you!

Tianmu News:

I noticed a paragraph on page 27 in the white paper that says, "China actively facilitates the digital industry and industry digitalization and calls for joint efforts to coordinate the transformation towards digitalization and green growth." Please share with us China's specific considerations in this regard. Thank you.

Cao Shumin:

Thank you for your question. Mr. Wang Song will answer it.

Wang Song:

Thank you for your interest in digitalization and green growth. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress proposed "moving faster to boost China's strength in cyberspace and digital development" and called for "accelerating the transition to a model of green development, boosting green and low-carbon industries, and promoting green and low-carbon ways of production and life."

At present, digitalization and green growth are not only important themes for global development but also twins that are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. For one thing, the energy consumption of the digital industry is growing rapidly. For example, the total power consumption of data centers in China currently accounts for about 1.5% of the country's total, posing an urgent need for green transformation and development. For another thing, digital technology has played an increasingly prominent role in driving the green transition of traditional industries. It is predicted that by 2030, various industries can cut 12.1 billion tons of carbon emissions by dint of digital technology.

In recent years, China has organized and implemented the action plan on coordinated transformation towards digitalization and green growth, whose main tasks include three respects. The first is to promote the green and low-carbon development of the digital industry. The second is to accelerate the green transformation of traditional industries enabled by digital technology. The third is to leverage the role of green transition of industries in driving the digital industry. Eighteen key actions have been deployed centering on the tasks in the above-mentioned three respects.

With the joint efforts of various departments and regions, preliminary progress has been made to coordinate transformation towards digitalization and green growth. For example, the current energy consumption per 5G base station has declined by more than 20% compared with that for initial commercial use in 2019, and the average power usage efficiency (PUE) of planned data centers above large scale nationwide has dropped below 1.3. Large domestic digital technology companies have responded to calls nationwide and have taken the lead in formulating low-carbon development plans.

Next, we will further promote the action plan on coordinated transformation towards digitalization and green growth and focus on the following three tasks. The first is to organize and conduct comprehensive pilot programs in this regard and encourage regions with suitable conditions to carry out pilot trials. The second is to promote typical cases and experiences of digital technology enterprises in coordinating transformation towards digitalization and green growth and let these enterprises play an exemplary role. The third is to strengthen relevant international cooperation and promote the expansion of exchanges and sharing of experience under bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. Thank you.

The Paper:

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has put forward the concept of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace. Could you talk about your understanding and perception of the concept? Thank you.

Cao Shumin:

Thanks for your question. The concept of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping is rich in content. I'd like to invite Mr. Yang Shuzhen to answer this question.

Yang Shuzhen:

The question you raised is very important, and I'm happy to take it.

At the second World Internet Conference held in December 2015, President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech, and for the first time, clearly put forward the concept of "building a community with a shared future in cyberspace." Since then, he has made in-depth interpretations of the concept on many occasions. This continuously enriched concept has an increasingly bigger influence, which has become a consensus of the international community. By studying and comprehending, I feel that this important concept can be summed up in "four sentences":

First, it is an important thought that keeps up with the changing world. The world is currently undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. On the one hand, the historical trends of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit are unstoppable. On the other hand, as hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts have caused serious harm to the world, the international community is facing unprecedented challenges, and the world is once again reaching a crossroads in history. General Secretary Xi Jinping, with insight into the changes in the world, the times, and the history, has clearly put forward the major concept and proposition of building a human community with a shared future. Building a community with a shared future in cyberspace is an important part of building a human community with a shared future and an important part of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially the important thought of the general secretary on boosting China's strength in cyberspace. It provides a guideline for the international community to cope with the changes and new challenges and jointly build a community with a shared future in cyberspace. 

Second, it is a strategic goal that responds to the call of the times. At present, the new round of technological revolution represented by IT is changing with each passing day. The internet has turned the world into a "global village," and the international community has increasingly become a community with a shared future where our interests are closely intertwined. With a view of the changes in the information era, General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly put forward the strategic goals of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace where we can jointly advance development, safeguard security, participate in governance, and share the benefits. He called on efforts to build the cyberspace into a community with shared development, security, responsibilities, and interests that benefits all humanity, specifying the strategic goals for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

Third, it is the basic principle of solving practical problems. The internet has vigorously promoted the progress of human civilization, but it has also brought a series of new threats and challenges to the sovereignty, security, and development interests of all countries. Cyberspace hegemonism and power politics are emerging. Protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise. Cyber attacks and cyber crimes are becoming severe. Adopting a problem-oriented and systematic approach, General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly put forward "four principles" to promote the reform of the global internet governance system, namely, respecting cyber sovereignty, safeguarding peace and security, promoting openness and cooperation, and building good order, which points out the direction and principles for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

Fourth, it is China's proposal to enhance global well-being. The internet is a home shared by all mankind, and the future of cyberspace should be jointly created by all countries in the world. With a view on improving the well-being of all mankind, General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly put forward a "five-point proposal" of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, namely, speeding up the building of global internet infrastructure and promoting inter-connectivity; building an online platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning; promoting innovative development of the internet economy for common prosperity; maintaining cyber security and promoting orderly development; and building an internet governance system to promote equity and justice. The proposal provides us with a practical path for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace and will surely promote the development of the internet to better benefit the people in China and the rest of the world. Thank you!

Bloomberg News:

I was wondering, has China finished what it set out to do with the overhaul and rectification of the internet and online platforms? Or is there still more work to be done? Thank you. 

Wang Song:

Thank you for your interest in internet platform companies. It is our important responsibility to encourage and support the healthy and sustainable development of internet platform companies. We carry out daily supervision of the behavior of internet platform companies in accordance with laws and regulations. If there is a prominent disorder on the internet, we will also carry out a "Clear and Bright" special campaign to deal with that. For internet platform companies, we generally follow the principle of promoting development and regulating their behaviors at the same time, guiding them with policies and managing them in accordance with the law, and pursuing social benefits and economic returns at the same time, thus creating a favorable environment for the development of internet platform companies. Thank you.

Southern Metropolis Daily:

The white paper mentions that China's internet development and governance practices have made positive contributions to building a community with a shared future in cyberspace and the country has put forward its proposals. Is China promoting a model of internet development and governance by issuing this white paper, "Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace"? Thank you.

Cao Shumin:

Thank you for your question. I'll answer it.

Different countries have different national conditions, different political systems, and different cultural backgrounds. We believe that all countries have the right to choose the internet development path that fits their own needs. At the same time, we also notice that people all over the world have the same desire to benefit from the digital age and they all expect to share the benefits of the internet for a better life. This is precisely what governments, international organizations, internet enterprises, technical communities, non-governmental organizations, and individual citizens should strive for.

China has explored experience for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace with its internet development and governance practices, and contributed its wisdom and solutions in this regard. All countries, with various forms of civilization, should and must be able to find their own path for internet development and governance. As a Chinese saying goes, we need to appreciate the beauty of each civilization and show respect for the diversity of civilizations in the world. We strongly support diversified exploration and practice, rather than imposing our own model on others. China is committed to respecting the sovereignty in cyberspace and respecting the rights of all countries to independently choose their own path of cyber development, model of cyber regulation, internet public policies, and their right to equal participation in global cyberspace governance.

That's all for your question. Thank you.

Kyodo News: 

I have two questions. The first one is: In the report to the 20th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that China will move faster to boost China's strength in cyberspace. So what will China do in the next five years? And what measures will be taken? My second question is: As China continues to strengthen cyber security in recent years, some foreign companies have expressed worries about restrictions on their work in China. What is China's response to such concerns? Thank you.

Cao Shumin:

Thank you for your questions. You asked two questions. The first one is about building China's strength in cyberspace. We invite Mr. Yang Shuzhen to answer it, and Ms. Qi Xiaoxia will take the second.

Yang Shuzhen:

The 20th CPC National Congress has drawn a blueprint for the future development of the Party and the country. Particularly, based on the development trends of the information age, it has put forward a series of new tasks, new arrangements, and new requirements for boosting China's strength in cyberspace. We must fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, follow General Secretary Xi Jinping's requirements of "developing strong technology, content, and talent pool, building a solid base, and having a better say in related international affairs," and make efforts to build China's strength in cyberspace, so as to provide strong services, support, and guarantees for building a modern socialist country in all respects. Specifically, our future work will include the following seven aspects.

First, we will better develop online content to shape a new pattern of public opinion. We will give full play to the communication advantage of the internet, promote the construction of omnimedia communication system, uphold fundamental principles and break new ground in the publicity work concerning major online topics, strive to create high-quality, uplifting content, and comprehensively improve the accuracy, effectiveness, and attractiveness of international communication online, so as to steadily amplify mainstream online public opinion and the voice of China.

Second, we will promote the formation of a sound cyber ecosystem by improving the comprehensive internet governance system. On the basis of the governance system to be completed by this year, we will strive to build a scientific, efficient, and orderly internet governance pattern, promote cultural-ethical advancement on the internet, advance legislation, administration of justice, law enforcement, and law popularization with regard to the internet. We will intensify efforts to strengthen governance at the source of the cyber ecosystem, enhance governance in a systematic and law-based manner, and press ahead with "Operation Qinglang" so as to build a cleaner cyberspace.

Third, we will accelerate the construction of "digital China" to help realize Chinese modernization. We will give full play to the leading role of the overall layout of "digital China," accelerate the development of new-generation information infrastructure, promote the integrated development of the digital economy and the real economy, build internationally competitive digital industrial clusters, and accelerate the development of a digital government, a digital society, and a digital countryside. We will carry out the action plan for coordinated transformation and development of digitalization and greening and the action plan for enhancing digital literacy and skills of the entire population to promote new development with new growth drivers.

Fourth, we will focus on making breakthroughs in core technologies in the information sector to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in cutting-edge technologies. We will give full play to the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide and the leading role of major projects, accelerate original and pioneering sci-tech breakthroughs, strengthen basic research, improve incentive mechanisms, and facilitate the formation of an innovation ecosystem and the independent capacity of industries.

Fifth, we will maintain cybersecurity and data security to promote the modernization of the national security system and capabilities. We will comprehensively strengthen supporting systems and capacity building to ensure cybersecurity and data security, enhance security and protection of critical information infrastructure, strengthen the protection of personal information and important data, and effectively safeguard national cybersecurity and the vital interests of the people.

Sixth, we will strive to build a community with a shared future in cyberspace to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. We will conduct in-depth exchanges and cooperation in cyberspace and actively participate in cyberspace governance in a bid to deliver more tangible benefits brought by the development of the internet to people all over the world.

Seventh, we will step up efforts to cultivate a team of internationally competitive professionals in cybersecurity and IT to advance the country's workforce development strategy. We will innovate the mechanism for cultivating talents in this realm to produce more science strategists, first-class scientists and innovation teams, young scientists, and outstanding engineers. We will also build a new type of think tanks and cultivate a strong team of officials to provide strong intellectual and personnel support to build up the country's strength in such fields. Thank you.

Qi Xiaoxia:

I will answer the second question raised by the reporter from Kyodo News. This question is about foreign companies' concerns about restrictions on operating in China. My answer is clear: such concern is absolutely unnecessary. As the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has underscored, China remains committed to the fundamental national policy of opening to the outside world. You may have noticed that, in his speech at the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Import Expo on Nov. 4, President Xi Jinping pointed out that China "will work with all countries and all parties to share the opportunities in its vast market," "will work with all countries and all parties to share the opportunities from its institutional opening up," and "will work with all countries and all parties to share the opportunities from deepened international cooperation." We can see from this that China's door to the world will only open wider and wider. 

According to data from Chinese competent authorities, more than a million foreign companies were registered in China, of which Japanese-funded enterprises account for a large proportion. This shows that foreign companies are very confident in China's business environment. The Chinese government has always been committed to fostering a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment, encouraging enterprises to operate and develop in accordance with laws and regulations and treating Chinese and foreign-funded enterprises as equals. Thanks.

Beijing Youth Daily:

My questions are about international communications. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress says we will strengthen our international communications capabilities and make our communications more effective. What progress has been made in international communications in cyberspace? What steps will be taken to tell China's stories well and contribute to building a community with a shared future in cyberspace? Thank you.

Cao Shumin:

Thank you for your questions. To present a credible, appealing and respectable China is a long-term objective of strengthening international communications capabilities. Let's invite Mr. Chen Renze to answer the questions.

Chen Renze:

Thanks to the journalist with Beijing Youth Daily. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping personally planned, deployed, and promoted work on international communications and elaborated on a series of major theoretical and practical questions on strengthening international communications capabilities, pointing out a clear direction and offering fundamental guidelines for us. In accordance with General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and the decisions of the CPC Central Committee, we have worked with local authorities and other departments to make innovations on the basis of what has worked in the past and extend the reach and influence of international communications in cyberspace. Positive progress has been achieved in this regard.

First, giving theoretical guidance and fully demonstrating the essence of the Chinese path. Focusing on major events and occasions, we leveraged the advantages of internet-based communication, innovated discourse, and strengthened presentation across all forms of media and interactive communication to interpret Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era from multi-dimensional perspectives. This was done to help more foreign audiences understand the power of truth and the global significance of the latest achievement of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times.

Second, actively showcasing our image and enhancing the appeal of Chinese governance philosophy. We organized international internet communication activities such as "A Date with China" and "DaKa China" on major themes, including the 20th CPC National Congress, the Party's centenary, and the Beijing Winter Olympics. These activities showcased China's image as a country of diversity that is marching forward and gave the international community a hands-on experience on the three fundamental questions of why the CPC works in China, why the Marxism works in China and why the socialism with Chinese characteristics works in China.

Third, creating a positive impression and promoting the defining symbols of Chinese culture. By using modern, human-interest, international, and vibrant means of online communications, we promoted fine culture featuring Chinese characteristics, highlighting China's ethos, and embodying Chinese wisdom. These were delivered a group of online works which demonstrate Chinese aesthetics, modern concepts, and the shared values of humanity to better present Chinese culture to the world.

Fourth, increasing cohesion and encouraging more people to tell China's stories. With the internet as the medium, we built platforms for understanding China through programs such as "Why Red Star Shines in China" and "I am in China in the New Era." More and more foreign political leaders, experts, journalists, and overseas Chinese shared their interactions and friendship with China online, telling China's stories and promoting Chinese culture. China's image as a country that is credible, appealing and respectable has become more vivid and multi-dimensional. 

For the next step, we will focus on the important arrangements made in the report to the 20th CPC National Congress, prioritize studying, publicize and implement the guiding principles of the congress, follow the laws of international communications in cyberspace, develop a global perspective, keep in mind key tasks, build our ability, comprehensively improve the capacities, level and effectiveness of international communications in cyberspace, and better tell stories of China and the CPC to make China's voice heard by more people and present a true, multi-dimensional, and panoramic view of China. Thanks.

CRNTT:

What measures have been adopted in China to safeguard cybersecurity? Are there any practices or experiences in this regard that you'd like to share with other countries? Thank you.

Cao Shumin:

Thank you for your questions. Cybersecurity is an issue of great concern to everyone. Sustainable development is impossible without cybersecurity. I'd like to invite Ms. Sun to answer this question.

Sun Weimin:

Thank you for your questions and your concern about issues related to cybersecurity.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has attached great importance to cybersecurity and made a series of important instructions, charting the course and providing fundamental guidelines for the work on cybersecurity. In recent years, local authorities and government departments across the country have thoroughly studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on building China's strength in cyberspace. Remarkable progress has been made in its efforts to ensure cybersecurity, which can be seen in the following five aspects:

First, a policy and legal framework for cybersecurity have taken shape. A number of laws and policies have been formulated and put in place, including the Cybersecurity Law, Data Security Law, Personal Information Protection Law, Cybersecurity Review Measures, and Security Assessment Methods for Cloud Computing Services. Moreover, over 300 national standards for related realms have been issued. These laws and policies, therefore, have served as pillars of the legal and policy framework for cybersecurity.

Second, the working system for cybersecurity has been steadily improving across the country. We issued the emergency response plan for internet security incidents, establishing and improving a national working system for cybersecurity emergency response coordination and notification so as to carry out supervision and early warning in a timely manner. In this way, we have established a coordinated working system nationwide. 

Third, the protection system for critical information infrastructure has witnessed remarkable progress, with its capabilities continuing to improve. We have promulgated laws and regulations, such as the Regulations on the Security and Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, to provide a solid legal foundation for the security and protection system of critical information infrastructure. Thanks to the coordination of the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the joint effort of other government departments, the protection of the critical information infrastructure is steadily improving. 

Fourth, education, technologies and industries concerning cybersecurity have witnessed integrated development. We have established the first-level discipline of cyberspace security, and launched a demonstration project for the construction of first-class schools and colleges of cyber science. At present, more than 60 universities in China have set up schools and colleges of cyber science, with over 20,000 graduates majoring in cybersecurity every year. The country has set up the national cybersecurity talent and innovation base and is building five national-level pilot areas for integrated development of education, technology, and industry in the field of cybersecurity.

Fifth, the understanding of "a secure cyberspace environment serves and relies on the people" has been growing in popularity. We have held China Cybersecurity Week – an activity to raise people's awareness of cybersecurity – annually for nine years, disseminating cybersecurity information in a regular manner. We have launched special campaigns against the underground industry and cybercrimes like hidden cameras, the sale of personal information, infringing on people's private information, as well as telecom and online fraud. 

The spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress is being studied and implemented throughout the country. The 20th CPC National Congress has charted the course for the future development of China's cybersecurity and IT undertaking, injecting strong impetus into international cooperation in this field. We will work together with all countries and jointly build a community with a shared future in cyberspace. Thank you. 

Red Star News:

The white paper, in several places, notes that Chinese enterprises have made a great effort to tap into oversea markets in terms of information infrastructure construction and e-commerce development. They have made great contributions to global internet development. However, some Chinese enterprises, such as Huawei, have come across restrictions in some countries. What's your comment on this? Thank you. 

Cao Shumin:

Thank you for your question. The rapid development of cyberspace and IT across the world is largely due to globalization. However, it is true that some anti-globalization trends are on the rise. I'd like to invite Ms. Qi Xiaoxia to answer this question.

Qi Xiaoxia:

This is a question of public concern and also a question that we should pay attention to. As China's internet industry grows rapidly, Chinese enterprises have engaged in the international market, conducted international cooperation on research and development, and provided a great number of safe, reliable, and quality products and services at a reasonable price, enjoying great popularity worldwide. They have taken an active role in fulfilling social responsibilities, creating plenty of job opportunities for the countries and regions where they are based. Due to a lack of space, the white paper only gives a few examples. 

Some Chinese companies, like Huawei, encountered difficulties in pursuing overseas business development. The reasons behind it are clear. Certain countries wantonly imposed export controls on China under the pretext of "national security" and deliberately blocked and suppressed Chinese companies, which infringed upon their legitimate rights and interests and severely disrupted the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

The white paper made it clear that the Chinese government opposes the politicization of technical issues and the containment of other countries' enterprises by abusing state power and violating market principles and trading rules.

We can see that under the current situation, global economic recovery faces multiple challenges and risks. What the international community urgently needs is unity, not division. We should tide over difficulties together instead of provoking confrontation. That is, those who call for decoupling, sever supply chains, and stoke division and confrontation, will only hurt themselves and other countries. Win-win cooperation is the only right path. Thank you. 

CNR:

The white paper says that the international organization of the World Internet Conference was inaugurated in Beijing in July 2022. You just mentioned that the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit would be held soon. What are the Chinese government's expectations for the future development of the international organization of the World Internet Conference?

Cao Shumin:

Thank you for your question. I will answer your question. The World Internet Conference has been held eight times. Based on the Wuzhen Summit, the international organization of the World Internet Conference was inaugurated this July. At the inaugural ceremony of the organization, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter, pointing out that the establishment of the organization is an important move echoing the informatization trend of the times, and it will deepen international exchanges and cooperation in cyberspace. He called for efforts to develop the World Internet Conference in line with forward-looking plans and high standards, to promote joint consultation through dialogues and exchanges, and to ensure benefits are shared by all through practical cooperation so as to contribute wisdom and strength to the global internet development and governance. The World Internet Conference is an open platform, and China stands ready to work with the international community to promote the development of the international organization.

We have the following expectations for the future development of the international organization of the World Internet Conference. 

First, in terms of enhancing consensus, we will focus on the new challenges and problems faced by cyberspace, uphold openness and inclusiveness, and support the international community to better handle disputes and reach more consensus.

Second, in terms of the digital economy, we need to leverage its role to advance socio-economic development. We hope that the digital economy can become a major engine in driving global digitalization, empowering its transformation. We also hope that the international organization can make contributions to the global digital economy.

Third, in terms of digital technology innovations, we will strengthen cooperation with the international community, deliver more major outcomes for innovation, and boost the advances in technology. The latest technological innovations are released at the Wuzhen Summit every year.

Fourth, in terms of cultural exchanges, we will encourage cooperation with internet media, advance the development of internet culture, promote mutual learning among civilizations, raise the public's digital literacy, and push forward the sound development of online cultural industries.

Fifth, in terms of setting rules, we will continue our efforts to advance the progress of global internet governance and encourage corporate members, research institutions, and universities worldwide to conduct discussions and exchanges on governance rules and technical standards, among other areas.

Sixth, in terms of exchanges and cooperation, we will build better platforms for exchanges and cooperation between governments, international organizations, multinational enterprises, technical groups, and experts and scholars. The above are our expectations. Thank you.

Xing Huina: 

Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Thank you to our speakers and all friends from the media. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Gong Yingchun, He Shan, Wang Yiming, Yuan Fang, Xu Xiaoxuan, Zhang Rui, Cui Can, Zhang Liying, Li Huiru, Qin Qi, Liu Qiang, Yan Xiaoqing, Wang Wei, He Shan, Xu Kailin, Wang Qian, Zhu Bochen, David Ball, Tom Arnsten, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.