Xi slams 'double standards,' advocates shared future in cyberspace

DOUBLE STANDARDS SLAMMED

The president highlighted a number of principles for reforming how the Internet is governed globally, opposing double standards in safeguarding cyber security as well as Internet hegemony.

Xi called on all nations to respect cyber sovereignty.

"No country should pursue cyber hegemony, interfere in other countries' internal affairs or engage in, connive at or support cyber activities that undermine other countries' national security," he said.

Countries have the right to independently choose their own path of cyber development and model of cyber regulations, he said.

The right for countries to participate in international cyberspace governance as equals should be respected by all, Xi said.

Stressing maintenance of peace and security, the president urged the international community to cooperate to combat cybercrimes and Internet terrorism.

He said nations should work together to prevent and oppose the misuse of cyberspace for crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and gambling.

All cybercrimes, be they commercial theft or hacker attacks, should be handled in accordance with laws and international conventions, he said.

"No double standards should be allowed in upholding cyber security," Xi said. "We cannot just have the security of one or some countries while leaving the rest insecure; still less should one seek the so-called absolute security for oneself at the expense of the security of others."

Calling for expanded Internet access, the president said, "More nations and people should be given the chance to ride the fast train of the information age."

He urged "reform of global Internet governance" and said "the old mentality of a zero-sum game or winner takes all" should be scrapped.

All countries should advance opening up and cooperation in cyberspace and create more converging points of interests, according to Xi.

He compared cyberspace to the real world, saying the world needs to strike a balance between order and freedom.

"Cyberspace is not a place beyond the rule of law," he said.