The Chinese government “manages” content of the Internet, but does not censor it, a top Chinese official asserted on Wednesday.
“Freedom is our goal. Order is our means,” said Lu Wei, the head of China’s State Internet Information Office, according to comments published by the state-backed Xinhua news agency. “It is a misuse of words if you say ‘content censorship.’ But no censorship does not mean there is no management. The Chinese government learned how to manage the Internet from Western developed countries, we have not learned enough yet.”
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to deliver the keynote at the the World Internet Conference, to be held in China, on Dec. 16. Lu, who is also expected to speak at the conference, claims it is expected to draw participants from more than 120 nations.
As to China’s ban on certain foreign websites, Lu explained, “I, indeed, may choose who comes into my house. They can come if they are friends. … We don’t welcome those who earn China’s money, take China’s market, and then slander China.”
In what is known as the “Golden Shield Project” or “Great Firewall of China,” the country’s Ministry of Public Security tries to block websites like Google, Facebook, Twitter and those belonging to major foreign news outlets. The U.S.-based Freedom House ranks China last for Internet freedom on its list of 65 countries.
“China’s open door will never be closed, we are open to the world’s Internet companies. As long as [companies] do not harm China’s national interests, do not harm the interests of Chinese consumers, we welcome [them] to develop in China,” Lu said.
China has consistently advocated for more Internet “order” on a global basis. Wang Qun, director-general of the Arms Control Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made similar remarks to to the U.N. General Assembly in October.
“It is highly necessary and pressing for the international community to jointly bring about an international code of conduct on cyberspace at an early date,” Wang said. “China … will continue to commit itself to establishing a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace and pushing for an early international code of conduct acceptable to all.”
A top Chinese official says that China does not censor its internet, despite most foreign news services being bloc… in Washington Examiner’s Hangs on LockerDome
