China firmly supports cyber security: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China is a staunch supporter of cyber security, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said Saturday.

The Chinese government takes the cyber security issue very seriously and is a firm supporter of cyber security, Xi said during the June 7-8 summit with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama at Sunnylands estate, California.

The Chinese president said China opposes hacker or cyber attack in all forms, and is itself a victim.

China and the United States face common challenges when it comes to the issue of cyber security, which should be a new highlight of bilateral cooperation instead of a source of suspicion and friction, said Xi.

The two countries have agreed to strengthen dialogue, coordination and cooperation through the already-established cyber working group.

Both sides also pledged to help promote the establishment of a fair, democratic and transparent global internet management mechanism mainly through the United Nations so as to build a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace, said Yang, who previously served as China's foreign minister.

The two leaders have also exchanged views on issues of intellectual property rights protection and human rights, Yang said.

Xi said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the protection of intellectual property rights, and will make greater efforts to improve relevant laws and strengthen law enforcement.

The Chinese president also said that China has made tremendous and well-recognized achievements in the field of human rights, and greater progress will be made in this regard as China's social and economic development continues.

Xi left California for home Saturday afternoon after meeting with Obama. Before his US trip, Xi visited Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Mexico.