Abide by cyber law to profit from market

The much-anticipated cybersecurity law that came into force on June 1 reflects China's determination to secure its cyberspace and protect Chinese citizens against data theft. Some Western observers, however, are worried that the new law targets foreign enterprises by "restricting the cross-border flow of information", which could "give Chinese companies an unfair advantage".

Such worries are uncalled for, as the ultimate aim of the new law, as emphasized by the country's cyber security watchdog, is to safeguard China's cyberspace sovereignty and security.

Misinterpreting certain provisions of the law as "hampering trade" or compromising China's commitments to the World Trade Organization and sensationalizing the issue are not only unnecessary but also could be misleading.