The world needs new rules for cyberspace, says China’s President Xi Jinping
The internet should be regulated to protect countries’ core interests, president says as he slams ‘double standards’ in online management
President Xi Jinping laid out his vision for a new system of cybersecurity governance yesterday in Beijing’s latest move to enhance China’s status in setting rules for the internet.
In his keynote speech at the World Internet Conference, Xi also defended the mainland’s internet controls and called for international cooperation in preventing cyberterrorism.
Read more: Double standards: China’s push to develop internet for economic gain tempered by strict censorship
The three-day conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, has gathered more than 2,000 heads of large technology firms and leaders from more than 120 countries and regions.
China has been criticised for imposing strict controls in cyberspace and banning several social media sites as well as an array of news portals. But Xi justified control by saying a balance between “order” and freedom of expression had to be made, stressing that countries had the right to choose their own set of rules.
There should be no internet hegemony. No interference in another country’s internal affairs
“Cyberspace is not a place beyond the rule of law,” Xi said. “While respecting internet users’ rights to exchange ideas and express their views, efforts should be made to build a sound cyberspace order under the law so as to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all internet users.”
Present governance rules hardly reflected the interests of most countries, Xi said as he slammed “double standards” in cyberspace management.
