China's Data Security Initiative... Targeting the US, "Unilateralism Is Tyranny"

Foreign Minister Wang Announces 'Global Data Security Initiative'
China's Digital Economy Surpasses One-Third of Total GDP

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Cho Young-shin] China has unveiled its own plan to set international standards for data security in response to the United States' massive offensive targeting its domestic information technology (IT) companies.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 8th, Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister in charge of diplomacy, announced the "Global Data Security" initiative at the World Digital Governance Symposium held in Beijing that day.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated, "The number of Chinese internet users has reached 900 million, 5G subscribers have exceeded 88 million, and the total digital economy accounts for more than one-third of the gross domestic product (GDP)."

He added, "The Chinese government strictly implements principles regarding data security protection" and "will not require Chinese companies to provide overseas data in violation of other countries' laws."

He also proposed prohibiting acts of stealing or destroying other countries' information technology, implementing measures to prevent personal information infringement, and banning the illegal collection of personal information of citizens from other countries.

Minister Wang emphasized multilateralism as well. He said, "Coexistence and sharing are the right ways to address digital security risks," and "universal participation that reflects the intentions of each country and respects interests must be prioritized." He targeted the United States, stressing that unilateralism by individual countries is blatant tyranny.

Minister Wang also said, "Protecting data security is very important for the sound development of the digital economy," and "a fair business environment must be provided to all companies." He added that digital protectionism hinders economic development and is not suitable even in the era of globalization.

China's data security plan came amid increasing technological pressure from the Donald Trump administration in the United States.

The Trump administration has designated Chinese telecommunications equipment company Huawei, as well as popular Chinese apps like TikTok and WeChat, as "national security threats" and is implementing comprehensive regulations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.