China  released its first International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace on Wednesday, which aims to build a joint community with a shared future in cyberspace. The safeguarding of China's sovereignty, security, and developmental interests in cyberspace is one of the country's strategic goals for global cyberspace cooperation. The strategy demonstrates China's plan to promote the building of a rule-based order in cyberspace, and its willingness to expand partnerships and boost institutional reform in Internet governance. China is also committed to jointly combating cyber terrorism and criminal activities.

Speaking to CGTN’s “The Point with Liu Xin", Long Zhou, a Coordinator for Cyber Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, elaborated on the significance of President Xi Jinping’s important thinking on China’s strategies for international cooperation and building a community of a shared future in cyberspace. By specifying win-win cooperation, he says it is not only the main feature of China’s new strategy, but also the cornerstone of China’s foreign policy. In addition, peace and development, respect for sovereignty, shared benefits, and co-building and co-governance are the other four key factors of the strategy. Long said that China, as one of the twenty-five member states of the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Cyber Security, will promote common development among all states in order to breach the digital divide and make ICT technologies (information and communications technologies) beneficial to all human beings. Furthermore, developing a digital economy and taking cyberspace as a platform for cultural exchanges are also part of the action plan. Long also pointed out that China combats any behavior that make cyberspace a battlefield. 

Kim Won-soo, Under Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs in the United Nations, praised the Chinese government for releasing the strategy, and especially for its commitments to international cooperation. Also, China’s willingness to help other members build their cyber capacity is highly welcomed since the digital divide is a critical global issue. Kim stated that though the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Cyber Security has made great contributions to making a rule-based cyberspace, he hoped the entire discussion and debate could become more inclusive and be shared by all UN member states. 

Speaking of the US’s strong influence upon the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, Liu Xin pointed out the imbalance in technology and rules in global cyberspace. But, of course, China’s voice will not be ignored.