Officials and professionals attending the opening ceremony of the fifth Forum on the China Internet Media signed in Hangzhou Tuesday a joint proposal calling on China-based news websites to contribute towards establishing a harmonious society.

Put forward by Zhou Xisheng, president of state-owned Xinhua Online, the proposal provides guidelines for China's Internet news media industry, which has developed fast in recent years.

The proposal notes that Internet news is becoming more influential over public opinion. It states that all Internet news media must abide by the Constitution and laws, publicize scientific theories and promote culture, carry forward the national character, and provide high quality services for Internet users.

Cai Mingzhao, deputy director of the State Council Information Office, said that the Internet media are responsible for promoting the buiding of a harmonious society.

"China-based news websites should strengthen their awareness of law, exercise self-discipline and spread advanced culture," said Cao.

"The Internet has an important influence on public opinion," said Zhao Chenyu, vice secretary of the All-China Journalists Association. "With a large information capacity and rapid dissemination speed, the internet poses great challenges for traditional media."

With the theme of "Internet Media and Harmonious Society", the three-day forum has attracted more than 200 officials and professionals from the State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Information Industry and the All-China Journalists Association.

Established in 2001, the annual forum is among the most authoritative and influential in China's Internet media industry.

Source: Xinhua