Xi: Build a community of common future in cyberspace

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Reform of global cyberspace governance has entered a crucial phase and building a community of common future in cyberspace has become a consensus across the world, Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote in a congratulatory letter to the Fourth World Internet Conference (WIC), which opened Sunday in east China's water town, Wuzhen, in Zhejiang Province.

The ongoing technological and industrial revolution featured by information technology has injected strong impetus into the economic and social development, Xi said, adding that the development of the Internet has also brought new challenges to sovereignty, security and development interests of nations worldwide.

He called on the international community to respect cyber sovereignty and make concerted efforts to promote development, safeguard security and improve governance in cyberspace and share its benefits.

The 4th World Internet Conference opens in east China's water town of Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, December 3, 2017. /CGTN Photo

China's online population reached 751 million in June, up 2.7 percent compared with the end of 2016. A total of 724 million Chinese use mobile phones to go online, accounting for 96.3 percent of the online population, according to the 40th China Statistical Report on Internet Development.

President Xi said China is striving to transform itself into a cyber power. Efforts are being made to facilitate deep integration of the internet, big data and artificial intelligence with the real economy, he wrote in the letter.

The country is also fostering new drivers of growth by developing the digital economy and sharing economy, he noted.

A man watches a football match with VR glasses at the Light of Internet Exposition of the 4th World Internet Conference in Wuzhen of Tongxiang City in east China's Zhejiang Province, December 2, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Revenue from Internet and big data-related services rose to 550.3 billion yuan (about 83.4 billion US dollars) in China in the first three quarters of 2017, up 36 percent year-on-year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

"China's opening door will not close," Xi stressed. "It will only be opened wider."

The Chinese president hopes the development of the Internet and digital economy will benefit people in all countries.

Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the WIC. China is willing to work with other countries to promote openness, cooperation, communication and sharing in cyberspace and build a community of common future in cyberspace, he said.

Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 4th World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, December 3, 2017. /CGTN Photo

Xi's letter was read by Huang Kunming, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee.

The conference from Sunday to Tuesday is under the theme of "Developing digital economy for openness and shared benefits – building a community of common future in cyberspace." It draws more than 1,500 guests from over 80 countries and regions.