The photo taken on on April 21, 2023 shows Phase 4 automated terminal at Yangshan Port in Shanghai. Photo: VCG

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said it will support the Shanghai free trade zone's data classification and hierarchical protection system, as part of detailed moves to promote an orderly flow of cross-border data management.

The details came after China on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive plan to promote high-level institutional opening-up in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

"We will guide data processors to conduct self-assessment of cross-border data risks and explore a legal, safe and convenient data flow mechanism," said Yang Zhengwei, an official from MOFCOM, at a meeting on Friday.

In terms of promoting innovative application of digital technology, MOFCOM will support the trustworthy, safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and study and establish an ethics and governance framework for AI, Yang said.

Regarding opening of data resources, Yang said there will be support for companies to establish and improve data sharing mechanisms in accordance with laws and regulations, and innovative applications of big data will also be promoted.

China's State Council, the country's cabinet, on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive plan to promote the high-level institutional opening-up of the FTZ by aligning it with high-standard international economic and trade rules.

The plan - which contains 80 measures in areas such as cross-border data transmission, financial opening-up and international cooperation on AI - underscores China's unswerving commitment to continue promoting the opening-up process. Also, digital trade has shown strong resilience and potential, and it has become a new growth point for international trade, Chinese observers said.

China promotes high-standard digital trade rules, which will help to boost its influence in the future development of global digital trade, Bai Ming, researcher of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Friday.

Chinese observers said that the comprehensive plan for the FTZ will further inject new momentum into China's digital trade, and also benefit the development of digital industries and digital enterprises.

Global Times