Thank you, Madam President,

I thank Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu for her briefing.

In today's world, a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is just unfolding, and digital and internet technologies are developing rapidly, which have greatly changed the mode of production and the lifestyles of the humanity, promoting country's economic and social development. Meanwhile, cyber-surveillance, attacks, crimes, and terrorism have become global public hazards and cyberspace is becoming increasingly militarized, politicized, and ideology-centric, over-interpreting the concept of security. In cyberspace, countries not only enjoy shared opportunities and common interests, but also face common challenges and assume shared responsibilities. They are increasingly becoming a community with a shared future through weal and woe.

Madam President,

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that although countries are different in national conditions and stages of internet development, and have different challenges on the ground, they share the same desire to advance the digital economy, the same interests in tackling cyber security challenges, and the same needs for strengthening cyberspace governance. China always believes the international community should work together in a joint effort to protect cyber security and maintain international peace.

—We should promote security through the maintenance of peace and prevent cyberspace from becoming a new battlefield. The international community should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, in particular the principles of sovereign equality, prohibition of the use of force, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful settlement of disputes. It is essential to respect the rights of all countries to independently choose the path of internet development and internet management model, and to participate in the governance of cyberspace on an equal footing. Countries should refrain from undertaking cyber activities that endanger the security of other countries. The application of the law of armed conflict in cyberspace should be dealt with cautiously, and arms races in cyberspace should be prevented.

—We should promote security through exchanges and cooperation and create a favorable environment for cyberspace. Safeguarding internet security is a global topic, and no country can stay aloof or manage it single-handedly. Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism in cyberspace will only intensify confrontations and poison the atmosphere of cooperation, which should be rejected and opposed jointly by the international community. Countries should work together to deepen exchanges and cooperation in technology research and development, rule-making and information sharing, and jointly curb the abuse of information technology. We should jointly oppose cyber-surveillance and attacks, combat cyber-terrorism and crimes, and improve cybersecurity capabilities. It is essential to provide companies with an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment, ensure the openness, stability and safety of global IT industry chain and supply chain, promote the healthy development of the global economy, and avoid human interference with companies’ normal business operations under whatever pretext.

—We should promote security through improved governance and promote fairness and justice in cyberspace. All countries should uphold effective multilateralism, establish an open, inclusive and sustainable cyber security governance process under the framework of the United Nations with the equal participation of all, formulate international rules for cyberspace that are generally accepted by all countries, and oppose small circles and group politics. China highly appreciates the successful conclusion of the report by the UN Open-ended Working Group and the Group of Governmental Experts on cyber security, and expects the new Open-ended Working Group to make new contributions to maintaining cyber security. We stand ready to work with all parties in promoting, under the UN framework, the development of an international convention against cybercrime. In the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, we should fully leverage the role of multi-stakeholders, such as governments, internet companies, technology communities, civil society, and individual citizens.

—We should promote security through inclusive development and achieve shared prosperity in cyberspace. The current world economic development is sluggish. Digital and internet technology can become important engines for countries’ recovery and restoration of economic and social development after the pandemic. Countries should adopt more proactive, inclusive and coordinated policies to promote balanced development of the ICTs on the global scale, vigorously develop new models and new formats such as the digital economy, and oppose technological hegemony. We should advance the development of digital infrastructure and connectivity, break down information barriers, bridge digital divides, and help developing countries become more digital, connected and intelligent, with a view to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We should step up cyber security cooperation with and assistance to developing countries, and improve their early warning, prevention, and emergency response capabilities for cyber security incidents.

Madam President,

China attaches great importance to internet security and informatization, and is committed to building a digital economy, digital society, and digital government using digital transformation to drive changes in the mode of production, lifestyles and the governance model. China will continue to improve its national cyber security laws, regulations, and institutional standards on the basis of the Cyber Security Law and the Data Security Law.

Last year, China put forward the Global Data Security Initiative, focusing on major issues such as critical infrastructure and personal information protection, corporate data storage and retrieval overseas, and supply chain security, which provided a constructive solution for maintaining global data and internet security. Recently, China, with the League of Arab States, issued the China-Arab data security cooperation initiative, which embodied the joint appeal of both sides for the maintenance of internet and data security. We welcome all parties’ active response to and participation in the initiative, so as to jointly formulate global rules for digital governance. China is also actively advancing the development of the digital Silk Road initiative, and is working with other countries to build a new landscape that is future-oriented, intelligent and interconnected.

Cyberspace embodies the dream of the humanity, and bears on people's well-being, peace and security, China stands ready to work with all countries to seize the opportunity of the information revolution, foster new momentum of innovation and development, create new landscape of digital cooperation and cyber security, build a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and work together to create a better future for humanity.

Thank you, Madam President.