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China calls for formulating cyberspace rules accepted by all countries
CGTN
File photo of Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN. /CFP

File photo of Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN. /CFP

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), on Tuesday called for efforts to formulate international rules for cyberspace that are generally accepted by all countries, warning against hegemony and arms races in cyberspace. 
  
"All countries should uphold genuine multilateralism, establish an open, inclusive and sustainable cybersecurity 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," Zhang told the virtual UN Security Council debate on cybersecurity. 
  
"China expects the new Open-ended Working Group on cybersecurity to make new contributions to maintaining cybersecurity," he said. "We stand ready to work with all parties in promoting, under the UN framework, the development of an international convention against cybercrime." 

The envoy warned against hegemony, unilateralism and protectionism in cyberspace, which he said will only intensify confrontations and poison the atmosphere of cooperation.

An expo on cybersecurity in Shanghai, east China, June 29, 2021. /CFP

An expo on cybersecurity in Shanghai, east China, June 29, 2021. /CFP

"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," he said. 

The ambassador called on countries across the world to "adopt more proactive, inclusive and coordinated policies" on the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and oppose technological hegemony. 
  
He said China is 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. 

He called for efforts to "promote security through the maintenance of peace and prevent cyberspace from becoming a new battlefield." 

"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," he said. "The application of the law of armed conflict in cyberspace should be dealt with cautiously, and arms races in cyberspace should be prevented." 

(With input from Xinhua)

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