(September 2019, New York)

Mr.President, colleagues,

First, please allow me to convey my sincere congratulations to Ambassador Jurg Lauber as the OEWG president. It is my belief that OEWG will deliver positive outcomes and contribute to forging a global order in the cyberspace under Mr.President's leadership. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr.President and the Secretariat for their vital efforts to convene this meeting.

Dear colleagues,

We live in a digital world that mankind has never seen before. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things(IOT), and block chain among others have enabled digital economy to become a significant new source of power for development. Cyberspace and physical space are deeply integrated, and states are more dependent on ICT than ever before in a far-reaching and complicated way. All states have a stake in ensuring global governance in the cyberspace when it comes to their security and long-term development.

At the same time, we are also faced with emerging risks and challenges, including the rampancy of cyber attacks and cyber crimes, the scourge of cyber terrorism and fake news, the grave risks imposed upon critical information infrastructure, as well as the gaping digital among states and regions. Some states attempt to turn the cyberspace into a new battlefield where they can pursue a strategy of deterrence attack by forging military alliance and introducing rules of engagement in the cyberspace. Such moves will increase the risk of conflicts and confrontation in the cyberspace and jeopardize international peace and security. Certain state politicizes technology and cybersecurity issues and undermines global development and cooperation.

Given the challenges and threats we face, the international community should uphold multilateralism and work towards building a community with a shared future for mankind in the cyberspace through win-win cooperation.

First, we should pursue shared prosperity and shared responsibility in the cyberspace. States are interconnected with converging interests in the cyberspace. All states, in disregard of size, development level and political position, shall not turn a blind eye to this historical trend. Only through win-win cooperation can we all enjoy the development oppotunities brought about by digital economy and effectively address risks and challenges in the cyberspace.

Second, we should commit ourselves to upholding peace and stability in cyberspace. ICT touches every aspect of a state's politics, economy, society and people's lives. Consequences of cyber conflicts among states especially big powers are beyond imagination. Cyber war can not be won and must never be fought. This should be a consensus of the international community. Given the high prevalence and challenges of attribution of cyber incidents, it is impossible to protect and develop oneself by force, deterrence and pressurization, nor to find a solution through sanction. Contrarily, these acts will only lead to increasing instability in the cyberspace, result in strategic misperception and escalation, and undemine international trust.

Third, we should address challenges in a balanced manner. Since ICT touches such aspects as sovereignty, security and development, it is crucial to ensure that we take a holistic and long-term view and attend to the policy objectives in all areas. It should be noted that when addressing ICT challenges, security and development should be paid equal attention. In the digital age, ICT security and economic development not only build upon, but also support each other. We should hold on to the master key of development in addressing security challenges, further our dedication to bridging digital gap, pay more attention to the need of development. At the same time, we should create a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for the development of ICT, and prevent the generalization and abuse of "national security concerns" espacially as a prevent to suppress other states' rightful economic and technical development.

Fourth, we should establish just and fair international rules and norms in cyberspace. Formulating universally accepted rules and norms are the key to maintaining peace and stability in cyberspace. The United Nations, as the most representative and authoritative international organization, should play a leading role in this regard. The initiation of both OEWG and UNGGE this year highlights the necessity and urgency for the international community to further discussion and build consensus on relevant issues. In the long run, to ensure the broadest participation by states in the formulation of international rules in cyberspace, it is imperative to establish an open, inclusive and permanent process under the UN framework.

Dear colleagues,

The OEWG is the first intergovernmental process on ICT security that is open to all member states of the UN, and today's meeting is the first time for a majority of states, especially developing ones, to make their voices heard on ICT security at the UN. I would like to take the chance of this momumental meeting and share a few thoughts on the work of the OEWG.

First, setting a right course. States need to highlight the priorities of promoting peace and cooperation, and show their willngness to jointly seek common security and common development to the international community. With that spirit, states should explore how to stop conflicts and arms race in cyberspace and prevent cyberspace from being turned into a new battle ground. This is vital for maintaining multilateral process on ICT security and the long-term stability in cyberspace.

Second, keeping pace with the times. In face of the emerging challenges and evolving environment of the digital world, states should work on urgent and practical issues relevant to all. States can discuss the specification of state sovereignty in cyberspace and propose concrete recommendations, through which the foundation of international rules in cyberspace can be further consolidated. States can also probe into relevant norms and measures on global data governance,Internet governance, supply chain security and emerging technologies and strive for visible outcomes. Moreover, efforts should be made to foster international cooperation and assistance on ICT security and bridge digital divide.

Third, focusing on the future. A long-term plan for Internet governance is necessary and important. States should take this oppotunity to discuss the establishment of a permanent and sustainable process under the UN framework for the interests of long-lasting peace and stability in cyberspace.

The chinese side looks forward to working with all parties and delivering more outcomes from this meeting.

Thank you, Mr. President.