At the first meeting of the UN permanent mechanism on global cybersecurity in
New York, July 20-24, 2026, China submitted a Position Paper on Global
Cyberspace Governance in the Digital-Intelligence Era. The paper elevates
digital sovereignty following prior emphasis on network sovereignty, urging
states—consistent with the UN Charter—to respect digital sovereignty and to be
free to choose national development paths for digital and AI technologies. It
states countries have the right to independently select AI technologies,
products and services and should not be coerced into choosing sides. The
document reiterates support for multilateralism and calls for timely
international rulemaking to address cybersecurity risks from AI. China’s
delegation head presented the paper during the meeting.
