Wang tells G20 better data security crucial issue

China may propose an initiative to safeguard data security in order to protect the supply chain of global information technology products and services, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

While highlighting the need for countries to unleash the potential of the digital economy by encouraging new business models in the post-pandemic era, Wang said data security remains a common concern of the international community. He made the remarks in a video conference speech to the Group of 20 foreign ministers on Thursday night.

China called on G20 members to develop constructive communication and coordination and attach importance to data security and cross-border data flows to jointly create an open, fair, impartial and nondiscriminatory business environment and share the development dividends of the digital economy, he said.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wang has used a number of multilateral events to voice China's support for international cooperation in combating the disease and to propose the country's constructive initiatives to reduce the pandemic's impact on the global economy.

On Friday night, he also attended a meeting of the foreign ministers of BRICS countries－Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa－via video link. Wang has made clear the country's firm support for multilateralism, solidarity and cooperation in responding to the pandemic and promoting economic recovery.

While speaking to the G20 foreign ministers, Wang proposed an initiative on facilitating the cross-border movement of people and goods, and said China stands ready to work with other G20 countries to translate the initiative into action.

All parties should gradually expand personnel exchanges and upgrade established bilateral channels to multilateral networks using proper anti-epidemic measures, he said, adding that they should also strengthen mutual reporting on pandemic information, implement remote nucleic acid testing and mutually recognize test results and health codes.

Wang suggested that all parties build a "green channel" for goods, improve customs clearance efficiency, unclog supply chains and industrial chains and explore the feasibility of implementing zero tariffs on important medical materials and products. He underlined the need for G20 members to strengthen cooperation in vaccine development, promote vaccine accessibility and affordability and increase support for the least-developed countries that were severely hit by the pandemic.

Analysts said that amid the global recession, coordinating precautionary measures on cross-border management is instrumental to promote economic recovery and make the post-pandemic reopening of borders safe for lives and livelihoods.

If G20 members, which represent 85 percent of global economic output and over 80 percent of international trade, strengthen such cooperation, it will not only help them to restore growth but also to play a leading role in the recovery and reconstruction of the world economy, they said.

Speaking at the conference, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on G20 countries to take concerted action to combat the pandemic and build back better than before. He urged them to agree on common objective criteria for removal of travel restrictions, increase investments in systems and practices that support safe travel and boost coordination in preventive measures.