cyberspace Photo:VCG

Themk history of the development of science and technology demonstrates that any invention and application can be a double-edged sword, possessing the duality of benefiting humanity while also causing harm. Inventions such as iron tools, gunpowder, machinery, nuclear energy, network information and artificial intelligence have, while promoting productivity and social progress, also brought adverse effects that threaten social security and human life. These advancements have, at times, even become weapons and means of warfare.

Network information security has emerged as a new field and an important aspect of modern national security, social development, personal life and property security. The Chinese government attaches great importance on network information security, considering it a vital component of the country's overall security. 

The three initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, namely the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative, contributed the wisdom and solutions of China to global development, security, and the building of civilization. The GSI concept paper released in 2023 called on all parties to "deepen international cooperation in the field of information security… jointly address various cyber threats, and work to establish a global governance system on cyberspace featuring openness and inclusion, justice and fairness, security and stability, vigor and vitality."

Humanity lives in a global village and is on the same ship. Only by joining hands and working together can we overcome various global conflicts and share a better future.

To this end, the GSI proposes the establishment of more international exchange and cooperation platforms and mechanisms to jointly enhance non-traditional security governance capabilities in addressing security challenges in the fields of counter-terrorism, networks, information and emerging technologies. It also encourages military and police academies and institutions in various countries to strengthen exchanges and cooperation to collectively respond to network information and other global security issues, actively promoting the construction of a global network information security community with a shared future through practical actions.

China is also a proponent, participant and enforcer of international regulations on cyber information security, actively engaging in international cooperation to develop legislation in this area. In September 2020, China proposed the Global Initiative on Data Security, actively promoting the establishment of global governance rules that align with the interests of most countries, reflect diverse perspectives and respect the interests of all parties involved.

To further enhance cyber information security, two key suggestions can be made. First, the application of cyber information technology should be brought under the regulation of the laws of war. As new weaponry and warfare methods continue to be deployed on modern battlefields, it has become imperative to revise and improve the laws of war under the leadership of the United Nations to address the new circumstances and challenges brought about by informationized and intelligentized warfare. 

 Strict measures must be in place to prevent these technologies from developing and being used without limits, turning into tools for theft, espionage and fraud in society, or even becoming weapons that recklessly kill the innocent.

Second, it's essential to establish international law enforcement and judicial bodies for cyber information security. The essence of law lies in its effective implementation, and its authority depends on strict enforcement. To ensure the implementation of international laws on cyber information security, it is necessary to establish such institutions within the framework of the United Nations. These bodies would be responsible for thoroughly investigating and addressing violations and crimes in a transparent, fair and just manner. Particularly, the use of civilian devices as weapons to target civilians must be treated as crimes against humanity and war crimes, with the perpetrators prosecuted and punished as "war criminals" without leniency.

The author is the former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences of the People's Liberation Army. [email protected]