Chinese President Xi Jinping says the country must seize this historic opportunity in the development of information technology to build up its strength in cyberspace. He spoke at a two-day national conference on cyber security and technology that opened on Friday. President Xi is the head of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission. CGTN's Chuck Tinte has more.

Xi Jinping said since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has achieved historic progress in the development of cyber security and internet technology, formed a model of cyberspace governance with Chinese characteristics, and developed a strategy to advance technology in China.

President Xi urged the improvement of the oversight abilities with cyberspace and the development of a Party-led governing network.

He said internet media should spread positive information, uphold the country's political beliefs, and guide public opinion and values in the right direction that Internet service providers should take responsibility to prevent cyberspace from degrading into a platform full of harmful, false, and provocative information. And efforts should be made to enhance the internet industry's self-discipline, and mobilize all sectors to take an active role in cyberspace governance.

Xi stressed cyberspace security, noting that China will enhance the security of the information infrastructure, develop coordinated mechanisms, tools, and platforms for cyber security, enhance the ability to respond to cyber security emergencies, and support relevant industries, saying China will crack down on criminal offenses including hacking, telecom fraud, and violation of citizens' privacy.

Stressing that the country will work to achieve breakthroughs in core information technologies, Xi said more resources will go into research, industrial development, and policy making.

The development of cybersecurity and IT should contribute to China's drive to develop a modernized economy and achieve high-quality development, emerging as the new model of industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization.

Efforts should also be made to develop the digital economy, promote deep integration between the internet, big data, artificial intelligence, and the real economy, and make the manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors more digitalized, smart, and internet-driven, he said.

The vision of people-centered development should be upheld throughout the development of cyberspace, and the people's well-being should be the starting point and footing for IT development, Xi said.

Xi urged the enhancement of military-civilian integration in the field of cybersecurity and information technology, calling it a key, cutting-edge field with the greatest vitality and potential in the drive to integrate.

He called for strengthening cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road through the internet, digital economy, and cybersecurity to build a digital silk road for the 21st century. Xi also stressed the centralized, unified leadership of the Party over cybersecurity and information technology.

It has been two years since President Xi urged the mobilization of internet technology. And more pragmatic efforts will be done according to the blueprint outlined by the Chinese President. Chuck Tinte, CGTN.