China has released its first international strategy on cyber issues on Thursday, which has peaceful development at its core.
The International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace revolves around "peaceful development and win-win cooperation," according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson Geng Shuang.
MOFA spokesperson Geng Shuang introduces the strategy to reporters during a regular press briefing on March 01, 2017. /MOFA
The strategy outlines six goals China wants to achieve through international cyberspace cooperation:
1. Firmly safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests in cyberspace;
2. Developing a system of international rules;
3. Promoting fair Internet governance;
4. Protecting legitimate rights and interests of citizens;
5. Promoting global cooperation on digital economy;
6. Building a platform for cyber culture exchange.
Protecting privacy and freedom of speech
The ministry's Coordinator for Cyber Affairs Long Zhou elaborated on privacy and freedom of speech.
"Sovereignty in cyberspace is not in conflict with people's privacy or civil rights," Long told reporters.
"The Chinese government respects people's rights and fundamental freedoms. It also protects people's privacy," he added.
