— Issued by the Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China

A crystallization of human wisdom, the Internet is a significant technological invention of the 20th century and a major symbol of contemporary advanced productive force. The Internet has brought about profound impact on the world economy, politics, culture and social progress, and promoted the transformation of social production, daily life and information dissemination.

The Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China issued its White Paper on the Internet in China on June 8, 2010. The white paper says the Chinese Government fully understands the Internet's irreplaceable role in accelerating the development of the national economy, pushing forward scientific and technological advancement, and expediting the transformation of social services information. It emphasizes and actively supports development and application of the Internet.

This white paper introduces facts of the Internet situation in China, and elaborates on basic views on relevant issues, providing an overall picture to the Chinese people and the people of the rest of the world of the true situation of the Internet in China.

The white paper endeavors to spur the development and application of the Internet, promoting the extensive use of the Internet, guaranteeing citizens' freedom of speech on the Internet and basic principles and practices of Internet administration, protecting Internet security, and actively conducting international exchanges and cooperation. The white paper has about 13,000 characters.

It says that the Chinese Government deems the development of the Internet an important booster of nationwide information technology application, sound development of the economy and society, enhancing scientific and technological innovation, and improving living standards. It has worked out policies and regulations, and created market conditions conducive to the development of the Internet. By improving the national information network infrastructure, launching key state information network projects, fueling relevant scientific and technological research and development, training IT personnel, and fostering a market with diversified information and communication services, the government endeavors to promote the sustained, sound and rapid growth of the Internet in China so as to meet people's increasing demand for information.

The Chinese Government energetically advocates and actively supports the development and application of the Internet across the country. Along with the robust growth and spread of the Internet, profound changes have taken place in and will continue to impact the country's production, daily work, education and lifestyle. China now boasts the largest number of Internet users in the world.

The white paper says that to build, use and administer the Internet well is an issue that concerns national economic prosperity and development, state security and social harmony, state sovereignty and dignity, and the basic interests of the people. The government has a basic policy regarding the Internet: Active use, scientific development, law-based administration and ensured security. The Chinese Government has, from the outset, abided by law-based administration related to the Internet, and endeavored to create a healthy and harmonious Internet environment, to build an Internet that is reliable as well as useful and conducive to economic and social development.

The white paper says that the Chinese Government will constantly adjust relevant policies to better match associated law and the objective requirements of the development and administration of the Internet. While absorbing good experiences from other countries in developing and controlling the Internet, China is prepared to work with them for the further progress of the Internet.