The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The fourth industrial revolution driven by digital technology is flourishing. Digital technology has not only penetrated every corner of people's daily life, it has also had a huge impact on the globalization process and international relations.

The Asia-Pacific region has one of the largest concentrations of mobile and social media users. Regional countries have made remarkable progress in advancing governance modernization through information by innovating digital diplomacy.

However, there are different opinions on how to use digital technology for diplomacy. Therefore, it is of great importance for regional countries to share their experiences, build consensus and make innovations in this regard.

Digital technologies, such as big data, artificial intelligence and social media, are posing new opportunities and challenges for diplomacy. On the one hand, social media facilitates governments and diplomatic organizations to disseminate information. Diplomats can acquire all kinds of news and communicate with each other at real-time through mobile networks. Some diplomatic organizations and think tanks are trying to monitor internet opinions through big data, which provides a new tool for diplomatic analysis.

But digital technology is a double-edged sword. As social media is becoming increasingly influential, diplomatic words are closely monitored and influenced by social media. Malicious actions such as cyberattacks make digital technology vulnerable. Ceaseless fake news on the internet pose a challenge for relevant authorities to maintain cyberspace order and handle diplomatic emergencies.

China practices digital diplomacy actively. Besides multi-language websites, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a raft of WeChat, Weibo and TikTok accounts and an app on consular services. China's diplomatic missions have also presented themselves on Twitter and Facebook.

They publish all kinds of information on China's politics, economics, social life, culture and diplomatic affairs, and answer questions from followers. Those have become an important channel for foreigners to know China and interact with Chinese diplomats.

Digital diplomacy has changed diplomatic work and expanded its space. In order to maximize the benefits of digital diplomacy and safeguard common interests, I have the following suggestions:

First, we should maintain peace and security in cyberspace. As Chinese President Xi Jinping has said, cyberspace is the common space of activities for mankind. The future of cyberspace should be in the hands of all countries.

All countries should strengthen dialogue and cooperation, on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust, equally participate in developing the international order and rules in cyberspace, and work together to safeguard cyberspace order.

Second, we should strengthen digital economic cooperation. For example, next year is the Year of China-ASEAN Digital Economy Cooperation. As good neighbors, friends and partners, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have conducted fruitful cooperation in all areas. China would like to strengthen digital economy cooperation with other countries including the members of ASEAN, to facilitate economic transformation and promote common development.

Third, we should explore the possibility of drafting regional digital diplomacy rules. China would like to join hands with other countries to explore the possibility of drafting regional digital diplomacy rules, to ensure the robust development of digital diplomacy. Malicious actions such as spreading fake news to smear other countries, even intervene in a nation's internal affairs should be contained to maintain regional peace and friendliness.

The author is vice-president of the China Public Diplomacy Association.

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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