According to the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), the number of Chinese internet users reached 384 million by the end of 2009 – a 28.9 percent jump over the previous year – as internet access became available in more areas and more people used their mobile phones to go online.

Following the issue of 3G licenses to telecoms operators last January the number of people using their mobile phones to access the net soared to around 233 million, nearly 61 percent of all internet users.

And in addition to listening to music, reading the news, and searching for information, China's internet users are increasingly carrying out e-commerce transactions.

The internet is fast becoming the eyes, ears and voice of the Chinese public. Government bodies at all levels are setting up online channels for the public to encourage internet users to supervise and comment on government work. Online commentators are especially active during the annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body of the country.

With the coming of the information age, the internet has become an essential part of economic and social development. Recognizing that no other information platforms can compete in breadth and scope, the Chinese government has actively encouraged the development of the internet.

The government has also tried to create a favorable environment for the healthy development of the internet. The government requires domestic internet companies to respect intellectual property and comply with the laws of other countries. Likewise, it expects international internet companies to respect China's intellectual property rights protection and obey Chinese law when conducting business with China.

According to Mao Wei, director of CNNIC, "China is not only the country with the most internet users, but is striving to become one of the major powers supporting the development of the internet."

In January, the State Council announced plans to connect the telecommunications network, and the TV and radio networks with the internet in the near future. According to the State Council, merging the three networks will give a major boost to the information and cultural sectors of the economy, and form a new platform for growth.

Experts estimate connecting the three networks will boost domestic demand by between 600 and 700 million yuan – an important step in the fight to overcome the global financial crisis.

China's internet has developed rapidly and is open to the world. The Chinese government will continue to provide a welcoming and relaxed environment for international internet companies, within the framework of Chinese law.

(The article was first published in Chinese translated by Ma Yujia.)