China also pledged to take a bigger role in internet governance, standing ready to develop rules and systems that serve all parties in an equal manner and counteract current imbalances, Wang noted.

Tim Cook, chief executive of Apple Inc, said his company is proud to have worked with partners in China to help build a community that will join a common future in cyberspace.

"Developing a digital economy for openness and shared benefits is a vision we at Apple share," he told the gathering.

Wang Huning delivers a keynote speech.WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY

Cook said Apple will make its coding language Swift, accessible and open to all, allowing a new generation of firms from China or abroad to pursue their dreams.

"In order to build the common future of cyberspace, we must embark on a new era of global cooperation and new partnerships," said Chuck Robbins, chief executive of network equipment supplier Cisco Systems Inc.

The company responded to Beijing's initiatives, such as Made in China 2025, the Internet Plus strategy as well as cyber security talent-training programs, through joint venture and smart city projects in China, Robbins noted.

Jack Ma, chairman of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, said internet companies, as the darling of the times, ought to shoulder the tremendous responsibilities of winning the market through innovation and earning respect through the spirit of sharing and inclusiveness.

"We should take the initiative to embrace technology to enter into a sharing, inclusive and green era," Ma said.

Xi has paid great attention to the development of cyberspace and has often highlighted the importance of developing a healthy cyberspace.

In the report delivered to the opening session of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October, Xi said that China will provide more and better online content and put in place a system for integrated internet management to ensure a healthy cyberspace.

At the Third World Internet Conference in Wuzhen last year, Xi sent a video congratulatory message, in which he put forward four goals for the healthy development of cyberspace: promoting equality and mutual respect; being innovative; continually opening-up and sharing; and safeguarding its security and its orderly development.

Contact the writer at hewei@chinadaily.com.cn