Statement by Counsellor SUN Lei of the Chinese Delegation at the Thematic Discussion on Information and Cyber Security at the First Committee of the 72nd Session of the UNGA |
2017-10-23 10:17 |
Mr.Chairman, With the rapid advancement of information and communication technologies(ICT), cyberspace is becoming the 5th domain of people's work and life,and the Internet has unprecedentedly boosted global development in economic and social terms. Meanwhile, cyberspace is also faced with severe and complicated security threats and challenges. Cyber terrorism and cyber crime are rampant. Risks of arms race and conflicts in cyberspace as well as the proliferation of malicious cyber tools and technology are rising. International rules in cyberspace have been absent for long. To build a multilateral,democratic and transparent system of international Internet governance remains a long-term and arduous task. Mr. Chairman, Cyberspace is a new frontier for strategic security. A peaceful and prosperous cyberspace serves common interests of the whole international community. All parties should work together and build a community of shared future for mankind in cyberspace. To this end,China maintains that the following points should be bore in mind: Firstly,to stay committed to the goal of maintaining the peace . Interests bind up all countries in cyberspace and put them in the same boat,hence to maintain the peaceful nature of cyberspace is crucial. All parties should observe the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter faithfully, particularly principles of equality of sovereignty,non-interference of internal affairs,non-use of force or threat use of force and peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for others' core interests and major concern and refraining from conducting cyber activities endangering other countries. Countries should discuss application of international law in the manner conducive to maintain peace,avoid introducing force,deterrence and countermeasures into cyberspace, so as to prevent arms race in cyberspace and reduce risks of confrontation and conflicts. Secondly, to uphold cooperation and win-win concept. Cyberspace transcends transitional geographical and physical bounders. No country can stay immune from threats and problems in cyberspace, and there is no such thing as absolute security. Countries should reject the Cold War mentality,zero-sum game and double standards and develop a new security concept featuring common coordination,comprehensiveness, cooperation and sustainability. Countries should enhance dialogue, and ensure perpetual common security on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation,and turn cyberspace into a new frontier for cooperation. Thirdly, to take a multilateral approach. Cybersecurity is a global issue,hence needs to be dealt with through cooperation and joint decision-making by all countries on equal footings. As the most representative and authoritative international organization, the UN should play the leading role in this course. The discussion at the latest sessions of UNGGE reflects the difference in concepts and modes of global cyberspace governance among international community members and further highlight the urgency of holding on to mulitilateralism and building broad consensus. Discussion on developing international rules and code of conduct accepted by all countries should be conducted within the UN framework and an open and inclusive process that allows more countries to participate in global internet governance should be established. Fourthly, to give equal emphasis to development and security. Countries should fully tap the role of ICTs in promoting economic development. A sound and robust digital economy would not be possible if we sacrifice the vitality of development for the sake of absolute security, or sidestep necessary security supervision at the excuse of market and trade liberalization. Efforts should be made to assist developing countries with capacity building to bridge the digital divide between developing and developed countries so as to ensure the digital economy would benefit all. Mr Chairman, China attaches great importance on cybersecurity and IT application development. China is vigorously implementing the national strategies for buildup in cyberspace and big data and the Internet Plus action plan. It promotes integration of the digital and real economies. This March, China published International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace, which provides a comprehensive explanation of China's position and policies on international governance and cooperation in cyberspace. China participates actively in UNGGE and other multilateral cyber related processes, promotes digital economy cooperation within the framework of APEC and G20 as well as the development of Digital Silk Road,strives to deepen pragmatic cooperation on cyber security within the framework of BRICS and SOC,and steps up bilateral cyber policy dialogues. China is ready to make more contribution along with other countries to building a secure,stable and prosperous cyberspace. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. |