Mr. Chairman,

China associates itself with the statement made by Fiji on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and welcomes the Secretary General's report submitted under this agenda item.

In today's world, information and communication technology (ICT) is growing exponentially, playing an increasingly significant role in promoting economic prosperity and social development, safeguarding national security and improving quality of life.

By the end of June 2013, the number of Chinese netizens reached 591 million, of which 464 million are cell phone internet users. Cell phone has become the primary terminal for internet use. This year, the State Council of China promulgated "Opinions on promoting information consumption to boost domestic demand" and "Broadband China: Strategy and Implementation". As projected by these documents, information consumption in China will grow at an annual rate of 20% in the years leading to 2015, jumping from 1.72 trillion RMB in 2012 to 3.2 trillion RMB. By 2020, fixed broadband penetration rate in Chinese households will reach 70% while mobile broadband penetration rate will rise to 85%. The number of netizens will double that in 2012 and reach 1.1 billion. ICT has become and will remain a fundamental strategic pillar industry of China. It will serve as s strong prop for my country's industrial upgrading.

Mr. Chairman,

With the 2015 ten-year review of the IT Summit approaching and as we are engaged in formulating the post-2015 development agenda, the UN is called upon to effectively play its role in addressing the issue that certain country is abusing their technological advantages to spy on other countries, steal information from organizations or individuals of other countries and violate people's privacy. To this end, we would like to propose the following:

First, formulate development goals in a scientific manner. Past experience must be referenced in formulating the post-2015 development agenda in order to establish practical and feasible goals that bring into full play the leading and buttressing roles of ICT.

Second, work to establish international norms. Hegemony in the field of ICT must be rejected. It is imperative to establish "multilateral, democratic and transparent" international norms that are "fair, equitable and efficient" and that respect the information sovereignty of all states and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.

Third, promote inter-connectivity of information flow. In the context of regional integration and globalization, information flow is as important as the efficient flow of personnel, commodities and capital. The international community should further enhance information inter-connectivity.

Mr. Chairman,

China, whose development has benefited tremendously from ICT, has accumulated lots of experience and built up a strong capacity in this field. Under the principle of "peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit", China is ready to join hands with the international community and make her due contribution in the field of ICT for development.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.