Huang Youyi, a political advisor, said on Friday that the establishment of a new Internet security group by the central government is highly significant in safeguarding China's national security and its people's lives.

Huang Youyi: Internet safety essential for national security.[Photo/China.org.cn]

China announced on Thursday the creation of the new group, headed by President Xi Jinping, to lead and coordinate Internet security and informatization work among different sectors, as well as draft national strategies, development plans and major policies in the field.

"The central government has fully realized the importance of the Internet," Huang, who is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said. "Especially after the Edward Snowden leaks last year, China understands it more: If there is no Internet security, there can be no national security."

Huang pointed out that the Internet wasn't invented by the Chinese people, so "we were left far behind when it started." The current market value of China's Internet companies is around US$300 billion and growing, and they make up a huge part of the Chinese economy. "We cannot live without the Internet now," he said.

But China is a big victim of international hackers; more than 3,000 government sites have suffered attacks. In just one week in February, 700,000 Chinese computer terminals were attacked by viruses.

"The Internet industry should stand up and act. Securing Internet security will secure economic security," Huang said, "then the common people will be able to live safely, free from things like Internet scams. It will safeguard national security."

By the end of 2013, China had about 618 million Internet users, the largest number in the world.

This year's CPPCC national session will open in Beijing on March 3 when political advisors will submit proposals for consultation.