Cooperation 'needed for Internet security'

Cooperation is a "must" for China and the United States to deal with Internet issues, especially online security, and to cope with rapid developments in cyberspace, officials and experts from both countries said on Tuesday.

Online security has become a key issue between China and the US, and the two countries have common interests and responsibilities, Qian Xiaoqian, vice-minister of the State Council Information Office, said at a US-China Internet Industry Forum in Beijing.

To maintain network security, the two countries should further establish mutual trust and make efforts to solve problems, because it will improve the development of the Internet between them and have positive effects across the world, he said.

As the leader of global information technology, the US has many advantages in cyberspace, while the biggest online market, China, has more than 564 million netizens.

"The two countries should cooperate and reduce blame or accusations without evidence," Qian said.

Premier Li Keqiang said on March 17 that all countries should do more to keep the Internet safe instead of making unfounded allegations.

He did not deny that there are differences in online security between China and the US, but if the two respect each other, he said, the common interests will surpass disagreements.

Meanwhile, cooperation should also extend to the mobile Internet, considering the boom in the industry, he said.

The number of mobile users in the country has reached 420 million, an 18.1 percent increase over 2011, according to forum organizers.

"Mobile devices have become the biggest platform to surf the Internet, for white-collar workers and migrant workers alike," Qian said.

"It’s also fashionable to post micro blogs, use smartphone app WeChat on cellphones."

It is necessary for the two countries to cooperate on mobile Internet technology research, he said, adding China will upgrade laws involving the Internet and welcome US network companies investing in the industry.

"In addition, China and the US can create more channels for dialogue, such as governments, institutions and companies, and enhance investigation systems to crack down on online crimes between the two countries," he added.

Robert Hormats, US undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, said the countries need to cooperate, adding that the US will increase the number of dialogues and the frequency of communications on thorny Internet issues with China in the future.

The forum is the sixth between the two countries and will end on Wednesday.

Hu Qiheng, chairwoman of the Internet Society of China, said dialogue can improve communication, while communication will contribute to the two countries understanding each other.

"A good understanding will be helpful to close the distance between China and the US on dealing with online issues," she added.