Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that the country will be boosting its cybersecurity capabilities, including cyber deterrence, while also urging officials to be more open when it comes to commentary from netizens.
Xi made the statement during a meeting with senior officials, engineers and information technology heads. He said that it is important to speed up the development of the nation's cybersecurity systems to protect its information infrastructure, as well as strengthen its cyber defense and deterrence capabilities, the South China Morning Post reported.
National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team director Huang Chngqing pointed out that cyber deterrence is vital for China to counterbalance other nations and maintain peace.
The president also urged members of the Chinese Internet industry to cooperate in the development of breakthroughs in Internet core technologies.
According to China Institute of Cyberspace Strategy director In An, the country's core technologies are still lagging behind that of other major nations, which is why it is essential to upgrade cybersecurity systems against cyberattacks, cybercrimes and cyberterrorism.
In March, the government announced a five-year plan to push for the development of the country's Internet sector, mainly focusing on cybersecurity and defence. However, cyber deterrence is not mentioned in the plan.
Meanwhile, Xi also called on government officials to be more "tolerant and patient" toward netizens who are critical of the government. He added that officials should instead welcome such criticisms, whether mild or harsh, as long as made in good faith, China Daily reported.
Xi also urged officials to use the Internet in order to get closer to the people they serve. He said that they should also listen to online opinions, concerns and suggestions in a positive manner
Several local government officials have come under fire in recent months for banning online comments made by concerned netizens.