China welcomes the adoption of the Global Digital Compact by the United Nations and supports the UN as the main channel for promoting global digital governance, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Monday.
The Global Digital Compact was adopted by UN member states on Sunday, which addresses data flow, information integrity, digital public infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.
Lin made the remarks at a regular press conference in Beijing when commenting on the new compact.
"China welcomes the United Nations' adoption of the Global Digital Compact, which emphasizes development priority, inclusiveness, innovation-driven development, and protection of cultural diversity in the digital space, aiming to create an open, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory digital development environment. These principles are consistent with the concepts of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China. The compact proposes the formulation of common global data security standards and global dialogues and intergovernmental negotiations on artificial intelligence governance. These measures are consistent with the path of the Global AI Governance Initiative and the Global Data Security Initiative proposed by China," Lin said.
"The compact conforms to the global trend of promoting digital development and cooperation, reflects the urgent call of countries, especially the global South countries, to bridge the digital divide and solve the governance deficit. It highlights the common desire of the international community to respond to digital opportunities and challenges through solidarity and cooperation and build an inclusive, open, fair and secure digital future. The compact is not only a vote of approval from the international community for multilateralism and digital solidarity and cooperation, but will also inject new impetus and vitality into global digital governance," he said.
"China has always supported the United Nations as the main channel for promoting global digital governance, and has constructively participated in the entire process of the compact negotiation, playing an important role in the successful conclusion of the compact. In the near future, China will, as always, uphold the concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and work with the international community to jointly promote global digital governance, jointly promote the implementation of the compact, and jointly build a global digital community with a shared future," Lin said.
China welcomes, supports UN adoption of Global Digital Compact: spokesman
A senior scientist from the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has revealed China's plans to construct a research center on the moon, which will be open to collaboration with all countries interested in the lunar mission. In a 4K documentary named "Back to the Far Side," Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China's Lunar Exploration Program, revealed that the country's future missions to the moon are already in the planning stages. Specifically, the upcoming Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions will focus on exploring the Lunar South Pole. "The main purpose of the Chang'e-7 mission, we need to leap into the permanent shadow zone to find direct evidence of water. We will also launch Chang'e-8, the main purpose of which will be to investigate what resources are at the south pole of the moon, and other resource development," Wu said. Over a span of 20 years, it has developed from launching China's first lunar satellite to bringing back lunar samples. The program has also remained committed to international participation, which will continue with Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8. Both missions will also carry international payloads. Scientists from around the world are working together to put their best equipment on the moon. The moon's south pole will also host a long-term scientific project, the International Lunar Research Station. China aims to build this station in collaboration with multiple countries. "This scientific research station will combine the orbital and lunar surface stations, plus ground facilities such as a base for large scientific projects. This is being done so that work can continue for a long time with or without people at the moon's south pole. It will facilitate scientific exploration and resource development. For the International Lunar Research Station to work, I think there are four must-haves: tools, energy, communication and shelter. We've started to prepare the first bricks. We could use sunlight and draw on local resources. It's possible with 3D printing that such bricks could be used to build walls, houses and roads. We hope in the future, the lunar research station will be a hub that prepares us for more distant celestial bodies, such as for Mars exploration," Wu said. By 2030, China aims to realize a manned lunar landing, and by 2035, to establish the core structure of an international lunar research base. With the world on the verge of a new age, China is spearheading global collaboration to explore the moon and beyond for the good of all humanity. "We all agree that it's must to open up to the world. We don't put up any obstacles. So far (July 2024), we have agreements with over 10 countries and nearly 30 international research institutions. We hope to work with 500 foreign scientific research institutions and 5,000 foreign scientific research personnel to build our International Lunar Research Station," Wu said. The "Back to the Far Side" is produced by CGTN and the News Center of the China National Space Administration to mark the 20th anniversary of China's Chang'e lunar exploration program.
China's lunar research base construction welcomes more global partners: chief designer
