Xi urges the world to develop common future in cyberspace

Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China hopes to encourage countries around the world to take a ride on the express train of Internet and digital economic development.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the Fourth World Internet Conference, which opened yesterday in the east China town of Wuzhen.

The conference, which opened yesterday, runs till tomorrow.

In his letter, Xi welcomed government representatives, heads of international organizations, experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs who are attending the conference.

He expressed hopes that the delegates will draw on collective wisdom and enhance mutual understanding so as to deepen exchanges and cooperation on the Internet and digital economy, and make the development of the Internet better serve the well-being of all people worldwide.

Xi pointed out that the development of the Internet has posed many new challenges for the sovereignty, security, and development interests of all countries.

“Building a community of common future in cyberspace has increasingly become the widespread common understanding of international society,” he said.

Xi said China hopes to work with the international community to respect cyberspace sovereignty and carry forward the spirit of partnership to commonly advance development, safeguard security, participate in governance, and share the benefits. 

“China’s door to the world will never close, but will only open wider,” he said.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said at the opening ceremony that China is willing to conform to the historic opportunities brought by the development of the Internet and use the digital economy as an important driving force to promote the openness, cooperation, exchange, and sharing in cyberspace and build a community of common future in cyberspace.

“We should promote security, construct a fine order, and build a secure, stable and prosperous cyberspace,” Wang said.

Over 1,500 guests from more than 80 countries and regions, including government representatives, heads of international organizations, leading figures of Internet companies, online celebrities, experts and scholars, attended the conference. 

Apple’s Chief Executive Tim Cook told the meeting that developers using its platform in China number 1.8 million and have earned a total 112 billion yuan (US$16.9 billion), representing roughly a quarter of total global App Store earnings.

Apple counts China as its third-largest region by sales but it has lost market share in recent years as high-end handsets from local rivals continue to gain traction. The firm is hoping to regain momentum following the release of its iPhone 8 and iPhone X models.

Cook has come to China several times this year, including an October visit where he was among executives that met President Xi. Cook’s attendance is conspicuous at the conference, marking the first high-level executive to attend in the event’s four-year history.