President Xi calls for cyberspace security, technological breakthroughs

BEIJING, April 19 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for coordinated development of cyberspace security and informatization as well as breakthroughs in core Internet technology.

Xi, also head of the central Internet security and informatization leading group, made the remarks while presiding over a symposium on the topic.

Security is a prerequisite for Internet development, and development will also safeguard Internet security, Xi said.

Stressing a correct outlook on cybersecurity, Xi urged accelerated development of a system to protect key information infrastructure and ensure online security.

Internet defense capabilities should be enhanced, Xi said, adding that securing the online environment is a common responsibility for all of society and requires commitment from the government, enterprises, social organizations and all netizens.

He also called on the industry to achieve more breakthroughs in core Internet technology.

"More personnel, material and financial resources should be put toward research and development of core and strategically important technologies," the president said.

He called on entrepreneurs, scholars, scientists and technicians in the industry to work together toward the goal.

"New technology is the achievement of civilization and we will never resist its development as long as it helps improve productivity and the people's lives," Xi said.

The leading group's deputy heads Li Keqiang and Liu Yunshan also attended the symposium.