China to hold high-level world Internet conference

BEIJING - China will host a high-profile Internet conference next month, bringing together more than 1,000 representatives from tech firms and regulators, said China's top Internet regulator Lu Wei on Thursday.

The event will be held from Nov 19-21 in Wuzhen, a historic water town in Zhejiang Province.

The conference will cover topics including global Internet governance, mobile Internet, cross-border e-commerce, cyber security and terrorism.

China Internet Conference kicks off in Beijing

Official vows to ensure IT security

Lu said the conference came after some experts suggested that China should take the responsibility for Internet governance and development.

"China now has 630 million Internet users and four out of the top 10 Internet companies," said Lu.

Attendees of the conference will include Alibaba chairman Jack Ma, Tencent founder and chairman Pony Ma, Chinese search engine Baidu CEO Li Yanhong, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) CEO Fadi Chehade and representatives from Qualcomm, Microsoft and Sumsung.

Lu defended the CAC's role in Internet management when responding to a question about the accessibility of Facebook and Line in China, saying it is in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

"I have never used such websites, so I have no information about their accessibility in China, but I assume some may not be accessible, " said Lu.

Citing a recent meeting of the Party on rule of law, Lu noted that all management of the Internet is to protect the national security of China and the interests of Chinese consumers,

"China has always been hospitable to the outside world, but I can choose who will be a guest in my home," said Lu, adding that he welcomes true friends.

Lu also denied a report published in September which quoted him as saying "it would never be possible for Facebook to enter China, " saying it was fake news. "For those foreign firms who want to enter China, there is a basic rule for them -- they must abide by Chinese laws and regulations."

"We cannot allow those who capture a share of the Chinese market and make a lot of money, but hurt the interests of China," said Lu.