Cyberspace regulator meets the press
(China.org.cn)
Updated: 2006-02-17 19:45

Liu Zhengrong, deputy director general of Internet Affairs Bureau under the State Council Information Office, met with the press on February 14 to discuss the development and management of the Internet in China.

Guo Weimin, director general of the Press Bureau under the State Council Information Office, chaired the press conference.

Liu Zhengrong, deputy director general of Internet Affairs Bureau under the State Council Information Office, talks about China's Internet development at a press conference in Beijiing.

The following is the full coverage of meeting:

Guo Weimin:Good afternoon, everybody. We recently received applications from some media organizations including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, representatives of which are here today, inquiring into the development and management of the Internet in China. We've organized this special news conference to address those issues. We are honored to have present with us Mr Liu Zhengrong, deputy director general of Internet Affairs Bureau of the State Council Information Office.

Liu Zhengrong: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Before I take your questions, I'd like to make three points:

First, the Internet has developed very rapidly in China and we now have approximately 110 million Internet users. China ranks second in the world in terms of Internet usage. The Chinese government is fully aware of the advancement and importance of the Internet, and has therefore dedicated itself to promoting its development and wider application in the country. Our attitude towards the Internet is very positive.

Second, China regulates the Internet according to law and has accordingly enacted relevant rules and regulations. We also advocate self-discipline on the part of the Internet industry.

Third, China's management of the Internet follows international practices. We value and have learned from successful international experiences and practices in this respect.

One more point I'd like to make is that in China, the Internet is subject to the administration of several government departments. They include the Ministry of Information Industry, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Culture, and the State Council Information Office.

At this juncture, I will take your questions.