China's Xi calls for better development of Internet

BEIJING, April 19, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, also head of the central Internet security and informatization leading group, presides over a symposium on cyberspace security and informatization in Beijing, capital of China, April 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

BEIJING, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for enhanced development of the Internet and harnessing it for the benefit of the country and the people.

Xi, who also heads China's central Internet security and informatization leading group, made the remarks in his speech at a symposium on cyber security and informatization on Tuesday.

Xi stressed that the new development concepts -- innovation, coordination, green, opening up and sharing, should be implemented during the Internet's development.

China has seen rapid development of the Internet and great achievements have been made in Internet security and informatization, while there are still many problems left to be solved, Xi said.

At the symposium presided over by Xi, he listened to the opinions and suggestions of Internet experts, entrepreneurs and officials on various topics, such as establishing a system of core information technologies and strengthening the top layer design for improving cyber security technologies.

The experts attending the meeting included Wu Manqing, chief engineer of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC); Jack Ma, chairman of Internet commerce company Alibaba; Ren Zhengfei, CEO of tech company Huawei and Tong Liqiang, director of the Beijing municipal cyberspace information office.

TOLERANCE TO INTERNET USERS

Xi stressed the role of the Internet in directing and representing public opinion during the symposium.

Xi ordered officials to heed public opinions using the Internet. Officials should use the Internet more often to learn what are the concerns and wishes of the people, Xi noted.

There should be greater tolerance and patience to Internet users, Xi said, adding officials need to draw sincere suggestions and feedback from the Internet, help clarify public misconception or their fuzzy ideas about certain matters, dissolve public grudges and grievances, and correct their wrong perceptions.

For well-meant criticism raised on the Internet, be it at the overall work of the Party and the state, or at individual officials, be it gentle or harsh-sounding, Xi said, "we will not only welcome them, but also carefully study them for future references."

Xi regarded the fact that China has 700 million Internet users as a marvelous achievement, saying the Internet could also be a driving force for economic growth.

POSITIVE, HEALTHY CYBER CULTURE

Better cyberspace management and a positive and healthy cyber culture will be good for everyone, Xi told the symposium

A clean and healthy cyber space is in the interests of the people, while a foul and unhealthy one serves no one, said Xi.

It follows that China must improve management of cyberspace and work to ensure high quality content, he said, with positive voices creating a healthy, positive culture that is a force for good.

The president suggested that the cyberspace be imbued with positive energy and mainstream values, in the hope of creating a clean and righteous environment.

ENHANCED CYBER SECURITY

Security is a prerequisite for Internet development, and development will also safeguard Internet security, Xi said, calling for coordinated development of cyberspace security and informatization

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 the shared responsibility of all stakeholders including the government, enterprises, social organizations and netizens.

BREAKTHROUGHS IN CORE TECHNOLOGIES

During his speech, Xi also called on the industry to achieve more breakthroughs in core Internet technologies.

"More human, material and financial resources should be invested in the 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.

DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNET ENTERPRISES

Xi called for in-depth integration of the Internet and real economy, so that the Internet could propel innovation, economic restructuring, and shift in the mode of economic development.

Xi also stressed accelerating popularization of information services to offer the general public accessible, affordable and quality services.

Chinese Internet enterprises have made significant contributions to realizing the stable growth of the country's economy, stimulating employment as well as improving people's livelihood, said Xi.

Those enterprises have grown stronger, gained international influence and made a greater contribution to China and Chinese people, which is an honor of the country, said Xi.

Internet enterprises should be encouraged to innovate core technologies, participate in international competition and expand their businesses to overseas market, the president said.

Xi urged the authorities to create a favorable environment for the development of the companies as well as speed up legislation on the Internet and enhance supervision over cyberspace to deal with cyber risks.

"We welcomes foreign Internet enterprises coming to China as long as they abide by Chinese laws and regulations," said Xi.

Xi also stressed the importance of talents in developing the Internet, calling on authorities at all levels to attract and keep talents.

A talent system with global competitiveness should be established, said Xi, adding all talents are welcome to China, no matter where are they from.

Senior leaders Li Keqiangand Liu Yunshan, who are both deputy heads of the central Internet security and informatization leading group, also attended the symposium.