I am delighted to attend the China-Europe Cyber Dialogue, and my appreciation goes to the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy for their thoughtful arrangements.

Since its establishment,the China-Europe Cyber Dialogue has served as a bridge for experts from both sides to engage in in-depth exchanges on hot-spot issues in cyberspace,the UN cyber security process and cyber security and stability.These discussions have played a positive role in enhancing mutual understanding and advancing China-EU cyber and digital relations.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative, calling on countries to adhere to sovereign equality, abide by international rule of law, practice multilateralism, advocate the people-centered approach, and focus on taking real actions. In the realm of cyberspace, this initiative presents China's solution for advancing global cyberspace governance and building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.

The international landscape is undergoing transformation and turbulence, with profound changes taking place in cyberspace. Cyber and digital issues have become strategic and comprehensive matters that bear on global strategic stability, as well as national security, development and prosperity. China and the EU are two major forces and markets in the world, and what kind of cyber and digital relationship we should build together is a question that merits careful consideration from both sides. The Chinese side would like to offer three proposals on this matter.

First, we should stay as partners in cyberspace and the digital domain. China and the EU have no territorial disputes, no geopolitical conflicts and more importantly, no fundamental conflict of interests. Globally, neither of us is the most powerful or the most advanced cyber and digital force, and we both require an open and cooperative digital environment, and are willing to formulate and observe multilateral rules. As our reliance on cyberspace and digital domain grows deeper, we share more common interests in maintaining peace and security in cyberspace, safeguarding the security of industrial and supply chains as well as data, and particularly in protecting the security of our respective critical infrastructure. China and the EU are cyber and digital partners, we are not adversaries, still less enemies. The China-EU cyber and digital relationship must, first and foremost, uphold the principle of partnership. This constitutes the political foundation of China-EU cyber relations, and is pivotal in determining the future trajectory of our bilateral cyber relations.

Second, we should uphold mutual respect and mutual trust. Over the past 50 years, China and the EU have achieved remarkable progress that benefit each other and the wider world. China has consistently supported the EU in becoming a major force in cyberspace and digital domain. It is regrettable, however, that the EU has been increasingly viewing digital and cyber issues through a geopolitical lens, and exercising megaphone diplomacy on cyber issues. Certain EU member states, in violation of the one-China principle, even condoned military cyber exercises and cooperation between the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) and China's Taiwan Region. The EU also adopted a series of unfair and discriminatory measures against China under the pretext of security concerns. Given the differences in social systems and stages of development, it is only natural for China and the EU to have competition and disagreements in cyberspace and digital domain. However, we must not treat each other as adversaries simply because of our political systems differ, nor should we use cyber issues as a springboard to pick sides between China and the US or an instrument for exerting political pressures. China-EU cyber and digital relations should consistently adhere to the principle of mutual benefits and win-win cooperation, conducting exchanges and communication in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual trust.

Third, we shall jointly develop equitable international rules in cyberspace. China will not accept “house rules”established by a small number of countries, nor will we sit back in face of any remarks or actions that undermine our interests. Engaging in megaphone diplomacy or inciting friction on cyber issues will only prove counterproductive. Meanwhile, China stands ready to work patiently with the EU side to demonstrate a sense of historical initiative, jointly uphold the rules and order in cyberspace, support the UN Global Mechanism in the use of ICTs, and work together to maintain a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace.

This year, the EU launched Work Programme 2025-2027 of the Digital Europe Programme. Not long ago, the Communist Party of China successfully convened its fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee, which deliberated and adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development. The Recommendations reaffirms advancing high-quality development as the main theme of economic and social development, and outline major strategic plans on areas such as developing new quality productive forces and expanding high-standard opening up. This provides broad opportunities for China-EU cooperation in cyber and digital development. China is willing to align elements on digital development of its 15th Five-Year Plan with the Digital Europe Programme, with a view to sharing digital opportunities, pursuing digital progress. China hopes that the EU will work in unison with us to forge a digital future that is open, inclusive, fair and secure.

In closing, I would like to extend my best wishes to the full success of this dialogue.