Madam Chair,

China aligns itself with the statement made by Bolivia on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and thanks the Secretary-General for his reports contained in documents A/69/65 and A/69/217.

Over the past two years, the UN system has made unrelenting efforts and achieved encouraging results in the application of information and communications technologies, especially paperless and new media technologies. China appreciates these efforts and looks forward to continued progress in this regard.

Madam Chair,

In today’s world, ICTs are advancing by leaps and bounds. On the one hand, the rapid emergency and application of new technologies and concepts such as wireless broadband, smart wearable systems, the Internet of Things and big data has brought tremendous economic and social benefits to mankind. On the other hand, the digital divide between developed and developing economies is ever-widening, seriously hampering the development of certain countries and regions. Development is the theme of the world today. The value of ICTs in guiding and driving the development of mankind has been widely recognized by the international community. China hopes that the international community

will take stock of the implementation of the outcomes of World Summit on the Information Society over the past decade, give full play to the role of ICTs in the formulation and implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Post-2015 Development Agenda, increase technical assistance to developing countries, and bridge the digital divide as soon as possible, so that the dividend derived from the advancement of ICTs can be shared by all humanity alike.

Madam Chair,

Many UN entities, including specialized agencies such as ITU, UNESCO and WIPO, have made enormous contribution in the area of ICTs for development. The United Nations should further leverage their expertise and unique roles. At the same time, it is also necessary to enhance coordination and optimize relevant mechanisms.

Madam Chair,

Twenty years ago, China officially gained access to the Internet. Since then, Internet connectivity has been growing exponentially in China. As of today, China has over 600 million Internet users and nearly 3 million websites. Over 500 million people in China access the Internet using cellular phones. China’s e-commerce sales in the first 6 months of this year have reached 5.66 trillion RMB yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 30.1%. Four of the world’s top ten Internet companies are based in China. Over the past two years, China’s Internet industry has been growing at an annual rate of 30%. China’s high-speed growth is attributable to its strategy that gives top priority to development and the adherence to the principles of openness, cooperation and win-win partnerships. In addition, China has developed an effective approach towards the relationships between freedom and order, development and security, as well as international public order and the need to respect laws of other countries. China is willing to share its experience and work together with countries around the world to build a better tomorrow.

Thank you, Madam Chair.