China calls for global internet rules at San Francisco cyber summit

Security experts and leaders from more than 40 countries are gathering in San Francisco this week, to address one of the most pressing issues of our computer-reliant world: Cyber Security.

The Internet boom that keeps the world connected presents many global challenges as well. Concern over threats to cyber security is what brought together more than 350 delegates to this year's World Cyberspace Cooperation Summit.

Cai Mingzhao, China's minister of State Council Information, spoke at the summit Tuesday. He praised China's technological contributions noting that internet-based IT businesses generate 10 percent of the nation's GDP. He also lauded China's number of netizens reaching a new high.

But at the same time, Cai Mingzhao said that China is a victim of cyber security breaches. More than 80 percent of Chinese internet users, he said, have felt the effects of online hacking.

"Between January to August this year, more than 20 thousands websites based in China were modified by hackers and more than 8 million servers, 14 percent more during the same period last year, were compromised and controlled by overseas computers via zombie and Trojan programs. These activities have caused severe damage to our economy and the everyday life of the people," Cai said.

To maintain cyber security, the Chinese side is calling for global efforts to show respect for national sovereignty over cyberspace, building a robust legal system, and strengthening international cooperation.

Cai Mingzhao also acknowledged the positive results from cyber cooperation between the 2 internet giants: China and the U.S. And he is calling for a wider scope of cooperation in the near future.

"Our two countries have set up a working group on cyber security within the framework of the China-U.S. strategic dialogue and negotiations on common concerns relating to cyber security so as to increase mutual understanding, keep our differences under control and expand cooperation," Cai said.

In recent years, securing cyber space has become a global challenge. But clearly, this issue can not be solved by a single company or country. Delegates at the summit are calling for worldwide efforts, to build mutual trust and improve cooperation, in order to ensure the safety and stability of global cyber space.