China’s Views on the Application of the Principle of Sovereignty
in Cyberspace
As a basic norm in contemporary international relations, the principle of sovereign
equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations covers all aspects of state-to-state
relations, which also includes cyberspace. In practice, all States have extended
sovereignty to cyberspace. The international community should, with the common
well-being of humanity in mind, follow and practice the principle of sovereignty in
cyberspace in line with the principles of equal consultation and seeking common ground
while setting aside differences.
The Concept of Sovereignty in Cyberspace
I. Rights
Sovereignty in cyberspace is the internal supremacy and external independence that
States enjoy, on the basis of their national sovereignty, over the ICT-related infrastructure,
entities and activities as well as relevant data and information within their territories.
Specifically speaking, it includes the following rights:
·Independence. States have the right to independently choose their own path of cyber
development and model of governance on ICT-related activities, and to make relevant
Internet public policies, free from any external interference.
·Equality. In line with the principle of sovereign equality enshrined in the UN Charter,
States have the right to participate in global governance in cyberspace on an equal footing
and jointly formulate international rules.
·Jurisdiction.
·Legislative Jurisdiction. States have the right to enact legislation to regulate the
ICT-related infrastructure, entities and activities as well as relevant data and information
within their territories, with a view to protecting their national security, public interests,
and the legal rights and interests of their citizens, legal persons, and other organizations.
·Administrative Jurisdiction. States have the right to administer the ICT-related
infrastructure, entities and activities as well as relevant data and information within their
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