China’s State Internet Information Office says the Chinese government will start cyber security vetting of major IT products and services for use by government departments.
A statement from the office says the vetting is aimed at preventing suppliers from taking advantage of their products to illegally control, disrupt or shut down their clients’ systems, or to gather, store, process or use their clients’ information. Companies that fail the vetting will be stopped from supplying their products and services in China.
The office spokesman said ensuring that IT technologies and cyberspace are "safe and under control" is vital to China’s national security, economic and social development as well as people’s legitimate rights and interests. He added that governments and enterprises of a few countries have long gathered sensitive information on a large scale, taking advantage of their monopoly in the market and technological edge. These countries not only undermine the interests of their clients but also threaten cyber security of other countries.