In December 2016 China published the national cyber strategy through the publication of a high-level document called "National Cyberspace Security Strategy".
Some references can be found on the USIT website. Starting from then we give a quick look at the document published in full on the site of the "Cyberspace Administration of China", the government body that oversees the sector.
The document, after the declarations of principle on the development of Chinese society in relation to the new domain of cyberspace, begins by analyzing the opportunities offered by the cyberspace, in particular the cyberspace is seen as a new domain through which it is possible:
- the dissemination of information;
- develop ideas, produce and live;
- promote economic development;
- promote cultural development;
- participate in the social life and governance of the country;
- foster global cooperation.
Among the opportunities was also included a point that more than anything else is an affirmation, we are talking about the new domination and national sovereignty over it. It is said that cyberspace is an area of interest of importance equal to the classical domains (earth, sea, sky and space). It is stated that the sovereignty of the state also extends to cyberspace.
Opportunities follow the list of challenges related to the new domain and the inherent dangers to:
- political security;
- economic security;
- cultural security;
- new forms of terrorism and crime;
- international competition on cyber resource control.
In the text, among the challenges, an interesting reference can be found to the function of China and to the use of cyberspace for the safeguarding of world peace.
The document states that China's goal is to promote cyberspace in a peaceful, secure, open, cooperative and orderly manner, while safeguarding national sovereignty, security and national development interests.
The principle behind the national cyberspace security strategy is to ensure that the new "domain" is secure, stable and prosperous and in this sense China declares that it is willing to collaborate with all other countries in the world to intensify communication. , broaden consensus, deepen cooperation and actively promote the reform of the global Internet governance system so as to jointly safeguard peace and security. This is also because China is the most populous country in the world and with the largest number of people and companies connected to the Internet.
Now, here I stop. Not because the document is finished but because I would like to highlight a huge discrepancy between what the Chinese policy document says (which is practically unknown in the Western world) and what we hear every day from the propaganda or that China and Russia are the biggest dangers of cyberspace.
Where is the truth?
Perhaps, as usual, in the middle.
In any case, I like to think that even a small article like this can somehow increase awareness and knowledge of cyberspace.
To learn more:
- http://www.usito.org/news/china-publishes-first-national-cybersecurity-s...
- http://www.cac.gov.cn/2016-12/27/c_1120195926.htm
