Chinese Premier Li Qiang has emphasized international technological cooperation and knowledge sharing, stating his opposition to the establishment of a so-called "digital iron curtain."

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on November 3, Premier Li made the remarks during a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Internet Conference held in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province. "China respects the reasonable cybersecurity concerns of all countries, jointly responds to security challenges, and opposes the construction of a digital iron curtain," he said.

The term "digital iron curtain" is a metaphorical reference to moves to erect barriers in the digital sector, such as restricting exchanges of advanced technology and data between countries or separating technology supply chains.

Although Premier Li did not mention any specific country, his remarks are drawing attention as they come amid ongoing export controls and technological competition between the United States and China surrounding advanced technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).

He went on to say, "China will uphold open innovation, promote technology transfer and knowledge sharing, and work with all countries to build an open and inclusive digital innovation ecosystem."

Premier Li also stressed that humans must maintain control throughout the development of advanced technologies like AI.

"The ultimate goal of internet development should be to promote the comprehensive development of human beings," he said, adding, "Humans must not become appendages of technology, nor should technological advancement widen the development gap among humanity."

In particular, he emphasized, "We must firmly maintain human agency and ensure that machines become tools that humans can trust."

Premier Li further urged the international community to cooperate to expand new technological development opportunities, strengthen digital security, and bridge the technology gap.

To this end, he stated that China will support Global South countries in building digital infrastructure and strengthening technological capabilities, while striving to ensure that the international community's internet governance system evolves in a fairer and more rational direction.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)