Full coverage: 3rd World Internet Conference

Full coverage: China’s Leaders

At a symposium on cybersecurity and informatization in April, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for enhanced cybersecurity and told officials to use the Internet to understand public opinion.

In his speech, Xi stressed the "correct outlook on cybersecurity" and called for the establishment of a system to protect information infrastructure in industries including finance, energy, telecommunications and transportation.

He urged authorities to establish unified and effective mechanisms to report risks and share information.

Internet defense capabilities should be enhanced and the roles of governments and market forces should be clearly defined, the president said.

"The competition between major countries on Internet security not only depends on technology but also on concepts and public opinions," Xi said, adding that China's proposals on cyber-sovereignty and a community of common destiny in cyberspace have won the support of the majority of countries.

To safeguard cybersecurity, Xi called on the industry to undertake more research into core Internet technology, which he identified as being the "key to China's Internet development" and warned that, "having other countries holding the key is our biggest threat."

Blocking Internet access is not the right way to manage the Internet, he said, stressing that, "China can not and will not shut its door to the world."

He suggested establishing alliances between academic and research institutions and enterprises to enhance coordination.

The president also stressed the role of the Internet in directing and representing public opinion.

Xi ordered officials to use the Internet to engage with the people, learning about their concerns and wishes and engaging with them online.

"Internet users come from many places, each with their own experiences, and opinions. Therefore, it is too much to ask them to be right on every topic," said Xi.

China must improve the 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.

However, rather than all people holding the same opinion, a positive public opinion environment in cyberspace means no slanders, rumors, crimes and other violations of the Constitution and laws, said Xi.

Concerned by online fraud, the president urged authorities to speed up legislation on the Internet and enhance supervision over cyberspace to deal with cyber risks.

Moreover, Xi called for enhanced management of big data. Internet enterprises must attach great importance to the security of data, as they may involve national interests and security, said Xi.