US should not have the final say on network security (2)

To a great extent, cyberspace is a world without borders. The network security problem has quickly become a common challenge that faces all of humanity, as the maintenance of network space safety impacts on the mutual interests of all countries. It is a grave mistake for the United States to pursue its own absolute security in cyberspace by sacrificing the interests of other countries, and the denial of reasonable appeals for balance, in favor of the one-sided pursuit of its own national interests, is a position that cannot be sustained. From the perspective of humanity’s common destiny we should consider network space security and the need for international cooperation as the highest of principles.

The Chinese government favors four principles on network security issues which should be discussed and applied as the basis of international rules. The first is the sovereign principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The second is the principle of peace in cyberspace and no arms race. The third is the principle of inclusiveness - respect for the equal right of less-developed countries to participate in network space governance. The fourth is the cooperative principle; building rules and regulations for network space with a win-win approach, and steering clear of any zero-sum game.

The United States cannot claim the final say over network security; nor can it claim the final say over the formulation of international network security rules. In September 2011, China, Russia, and a number of other countries submitted a draft Code of Conduct for Information Security to the United Nations General Assembly, stressing the role of the United Nations as the main channel for network security rulemaking. This week, the US and China will take advantage of the fifth round of the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue to hold the first network group meeting. Recently, the countries of Europe as well as India, Brazil, South Africa and other emerging economies have made their voices heard on the subject of international network security. The Prism revelations have embarrassed the U.S. government in front of the international community; they have effectively become the driving force behind the demand for discussion and development on international network security rules.

Undoubtedly, the U.S. is still trying to conserve its position as rule-maker on international network security. But we will surely come to realize that international cooperation is only way to resolve the dilemma of network security.

Read the Chinese version:网络安全不容“霸王条款”; Source: People's Daily Online; Author: Jia Xiudong

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