Regulations seen as important measure to promote rule of law in cyberspace

China has released a set of regulations that note the do's and don'ts for disseminating military-related information on the internet.

The regulations, jointly issued by 10 departments, including the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission, were published on Saturday and will take effect on March 1.

The regulations consist of 30 articles and focus on setting guidelines for the dissemination of military-related information on the internet, the establishment of military-themed websites and platforms, and the management of online programs and accounts focusing on military content.

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They categorize military-related information into three types: one type is encouraged and supported for dissemination, while the other two types are prohibited to be disseminated online.

The rules encourage providers and users of military information to "produce, reproduce, publish and disseminate" information that publicizes the decisions and deployments of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the CMC, as well as information that promotes the "glorious history and fine traditions and conduct" of the military.

Information reflecting achievements in the modernization of national defense and the military, and the positive contributions of the Chinese military to world peace is also supported for widespread dissemination.

In addition, information that promotes the legitimacy and justice of military operations, and the heroic and self-sacrificing deeds of the armed forces, is encouraged for dissemination.

However, the regulations also specify which types of military-related information are prohibited from being disseminated.

These include information that endangers national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, or defames the absolute leadership of the CPC over the military and the CMC chairperson responsibility system.

Information that distorts, defames or denies the history of the People's Liberation Army, the deeds and spirit of heroes and martyrs, or that sows discord between the military and the government or the military and the people, is also prohibited.

Furthermore, information that denies or attacks China's defense policies and strategies, and misinterprets international military exchanges and cooperation is also targeted, according to the regulations, which also ban spreading information that misinterprets non-war military actions, such as the evacuation of Chinese nationals overseas, international peacekeeping and rescue operations, military exercises and disaster relief.

The regulations also require military information providers and users to strictly safeguard classified matters related to national defense construction and the activities of the armed forces, and prohibit the dissemination of information containing military secrets, defense technology industry secrets, or unpublished information.

This includes information about military deployments, troop movements, operations and training.

It also includes information about the development, production, testing, transportation and deployment of weapons and equipment, their tactical and technical performance, and support capabilities.

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In addition, regarding emergencies involving the military, relevant departments and internet military information service providers should "release and repost authoritative information" and manage "illegal and harmful information" in accordance with the regulations.

The Cyberspace Administration of China said in a news release on Saturday that the regulations are an important measure to promote the rule of law in cyberspace and have significant practical significance for addressing issues such as false military information and the leaking of military secrets on the internet.

Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian noted in a news release on Saturday that the military and relevant local government departments will strengthen coordination and cooperation to jointly implement the regulations.

He said that the regulations will standardize the online dissemination of military information from an institutional level, create a positive online environment related to the military, and provide "strong online public opinion support" for achieving the goals for the centenary of the PLA in 2027.

jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn