China hosts global cyberspace dialogue

The first World Internet Conference established an international stage for cyberspace titans to discuss hot Web issues, as well as a platform from which the world could govern extensive network, according to China's top Internet watchdog.

The three-day conference, held by China for the first time, ended on Friday in Wuzhen, an ancient town in Zhejiang province.

Although reaching agreements on governing the global network will be difficult, the conference provided an open forum for more than 1,000 cyberspace officials, specialists and business tycoons from more than 100 countries and regions to have spirited discussions about Internet issues, including cyberterrorism and security, said the Cyberspace Administration of China.

Lu Wei, the administration's director, welcomed foreign participants, including leaders from Apple and Face-book and officials from inter-national institutes, to Wuzhen, saying that the conference is a platform for seeking consumers and consensus.

Cyberspace operations should be open and on a legal track, "and we should respect and trust each other as we govern the network", he said, adding that communication cannot be ignored, although disagreements still exist.

He called for establishing a multilateral, democratic and transparent governing system to ensure that cyberspace will be open, safe and cooperative.

It is the first time that China has held such a high-level Internet conference, Lu said, adding that it will be held once a year and that Wuzhen is determined to be the summit's permanent host.

Lots of participants showed passion about development of China's e-commerce and the world's mobile network, swarming the forum rooms where Internet tycoons such as Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group, appeared.

Forums on protecting online security and fighting cyberterrorism through international cooperation also were popular.

Several foreign guests at the conference expressed concerns about the Internet and supported China's leadership role in holding the summit.

Fadi Chehade, president and CEO of the Internet Cooperation for Assigned Names and Numbers, said China is playing a key role in governing the global network, adding that international cooperation requires the country's participation. Chehade said he was willing to help establish more cooperation between China and his institute.

Igor Shchegolev, assistant to the president of the Russian Federation said that Russia protects citizens' data and shields young people from Internet pornography, crime and drugs.

Russia has a national system to govern its network and protect people's privacy, he said, adding that every country should govern its cyberspace, just as it does its land.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn