Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Qian Shumin (Szi Şumin), published an article dedicated to the contemporary significance of digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence technologies. The diplomat’s insights focus on new avenues of international cooperation driven by digital advancements and the partnership prospects between China and Turkmenistan.

According to the ambassador, cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing are rapidly transforming production systems, daily life, and international economic relations. Simultaneously, risks such as cyberattacks, data leaks, algorithmic misuse, and novel threats to critical infrastructure are escalating.

The article emphasizes that under such conditions, strengthening international cooperation is vital to ensure that digital development benefits people worldwide. In July of this year, the Chinese side presented a document outlining principles for global cyberspace governance in the digital and intellectual era during the inaugural meeting of the UN global cybersecurity mechanism.

The document stresses that every state has the right to independently choose its path for developing digital and intellectual technologies—including artificial intelligence—in accordance with its national characteristics. It also advances views against forcing states to take sides and advocates for equitable relations within the international digital system.

As the ambassador pointed out, a core principle of digital sovereignty is the sovereign equality of states. All nations must possess equal rights in cyberspace, participate equally in formulating international rules, and access the fruits of digital development.

The article highlights cybersecurity as a paramount direction. It stresses the necessity of balancing development and security amid rising risks tied to artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and other innovative sectors.

Simultaneously, the article clarifies that digital sovereignty does not imply isolation from international cooperation. Rather, it proposes establishing open and secure conditions for the free and reliable cross-border movement of data, technologies, and innovation outputs while respecting countries' independent choices.

China supports building a fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory digital development environment, opposes technological monopolies and exclusive mechanisms, and advocates for cooperation to enhance the digital capabilities of developing nations.

The article concludes by affirming China's readiness to work alongside Turkmenistan and other countries to strengthen peace and security in cyberspace, broaden public access to the dividends of digital development, and foster an open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystem.