On July 24, 2023 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi attended the Meeting of Friends of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg. South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Chief Advisor of the Presidency of Brazil Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and representatives of Belarus, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Burundi, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Cuba and other countries, were present. They had in-depth discussions under the theme of "Cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a challenge for developing countries" at the meeting.

Wang Yi said that cybersecurity is an important cornerstone of national security. In the face of common challenges, all countries should strengthen strategic communication, clarify the direction of cooperation, and safeguard common interests. Wang Yi put forward four suggestions for maintaining cybersecurity.

First, build fair and reasonable cyberspace. The future of cyberspace should be jointly created by all countries, and the security of cyberspace should be jointly safeguarded by all countries. It is necessary to practice true multilateralism, support the United Nations (UN) in playing a core role in the global governance of cyberspace, fully listen to the legitimate concerns of numerous developing countries, establish fair and reasonable international rules, and improve the democratic and transparent Internet governance system.

Second, build open and inclusive cyberspace. The life of the network lies in interconnection, and the core lies in openness. Cyberspace should be a "large stage" where a variety of flowers bloom, not a "new battlefield" for a digital iron curtain. It is a must to adhere to fairness and justice, oppose any form of scientific and technological hegemony and cyber hegemony, and let all parties do their best and get what they need in an open and inclusive cyberspace.

Third, build safe and stable cyberspace. It is necessary to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect the network development path and management mode independently chosen by each country, practice the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocate the peaceful use of cyberspace, resolutely resist the cyber arms race, oppose attempts to use cyberspace to carry out "color revolutions".

Fourth, build cyberspace full of vigor and vitality. It is necessary to coordinate development and security and stick to a "people-centered" approach and the principle of "AI for good" to ensure national security and public interests. At the same time, it is necessary to seize digital opportunities, bridge the digital divide, share the digital dividend, and ensure openness, security and stability of the global information and communication industrial and supply chain, to stimulate the potential and vitality of international cooperation in cyberspace.

Wang Yi said that China attaches great importance to the issue of cybersecurity, actively participates in global cyber governance, and makes China's contributions to maintaining global data and cyber security. China is willing to strengthen exchanges and deepen cooperation with numerous emerging markets and developing countries, and constantly contributes to advancing the reform of the global cyber governance system and building a community with a shared future in cyberspace with China's efforts.

All parties said that with the rapid development of information and communication technology, the importance of maintaining cybersecurity has become increasingly prominent. The international community should strengthen and regulate the use of information and communication technologies, jointly combat cybercrime, advance digital connectivity, narrow the digital divide, strengthen international cooperation in technological innovation, and promote the economic and social development of all countries. The global cyber governance system should be reformed and improved to increase the representation and voice of developing countries. BRICS countries and the "Friends of BRICS" should work together to address traditional and non-traditional security challenges including cybersecurity, create a mutually beneficial, inclusive and secure international environment, achieve common security and development, and promote global peace and prosperity.