Editor's note: Zhu Zheng is an assistant professor specializing on constitutional law and politics at China University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

On March 16, China's State Council Information Office released a white paper, "China's Law-Based Cyberspace Governance in the New Era," marking the first time the Chinese government has issued a comprehensive account on measures taken to ensure law-based cyberspace governance. The white paper highlights that law-based cyberspace governance is crucial for China's overall rule of law strategy. Beijing has developed a complete system of laws and regulations, an efficient enforcement system, a stringent supervision system, and an effective supporting system to promote the lawful, orderly, and healthy development of the internet.

To consolidate the legal system, China aims to maintain order in a rule-based cyberspace, defend fairness and justice, promote public awareness and competence in law, and increase international exchanges and cooperation. Nonetheless, the fast and high-quality development of a digital China necessitates that authorities have to come up with measures to uphold the rule of law in cyberspace. Additionally, China should do more in the field of cyberspace to become a modern socialist country by 2035.

The white paper outlines five key features of China's law-based cyberspace governance. Progress has already been made in the law-making field to plug the loopholes of the legal system. A hierarchy of legal norms has been set up in the country, with about 140 pieces of enactments addressing different concerns over cyberspace governance.

Additionally, law enforcement has been strengthened to protect private information, intellectual property rights, market transactions, national security, and the cyberspace environment.

The judiciary has also been empowered to hear cases regarding online disputes, with three internet courts established in Hangzhou, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Specific movements have been made to combat telecom fraud and internet pornography.

Meanwhile, the government has enhanced public awareness of the law by publishing legal statutes related to daily life on its websites and utilizing a range of internet tools to promote legal content on news portals. In addition, the government has leveraged multiple online channels to gather feedback from various groups on the use of internet technology. By encouraging netizens to create online works for the dissemination of legal knowledge, the government has engaged the public in the development of a law-based governance system.

China has also underscored the partnering and consulting with the global community to reinforce law-based governance for the internet. The country has organized numerous conferences and symposiums and established multi-level international exchange platforms. The World Forum on Rule of Law in Internet, held in China, as well as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and ASEAN Regional Forum, have emerged as pivotal internet platforms, enabling China to share experiences, foster understanding, and learn from others in the realm of cyber governance. Accordingly, collaboration and consultation with the international community will be intensified in the years ahead.

Therefore, the white paper summarized what China has achieved in the past decades in building a law-based cyberspace. It serves as an important signal to the world that China is ready to partner with other countries to ensure that global cyberspace governance is law-based, and digital progress benefits more people. The world should welcome China's commitment.

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