A senior Chinese Internet affairs official has called for greater trust between China and the United States in jointly safeguarding cyber security.

Qian Xiaoqian, deputy head of the State Internet Information Office, made the remarks while addressing the sixth U.S.-China Internet Industry Forum, which opened in Beijing on Tuesday.

"China and the United States have common interests and common responsibilities in promoting development of the Internet industry and guarding cyber security," he said.

Ensuring Internet security has become a global challenge with hacking and online attacks on the rise, which entails concerted responses from the world, according to Qian.

"Chinese laws prohibit all forms of hacking," said the official, adding that the Chinese Government's stand against hacking attacks is "clear and consistent."

Saying that cyber-security has become a key aspect for China-U.S. relations, he urged both sides to boost mutual-benefit cooperation regarding the Internet.

Both countries should improve the mechanism for exchanges and cooperation on Internet governance and promote dialogues and cooperation in the Internet area, he said.

Robert Hormats, U.S. under secretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, said in his keynote speech that the United States and China have huge potential in cooperation regarding the development of Internet industry and governance.

More cooperation instead of confrontation is needed in this regard, Hormats said, expressing hope that both sides will take constructive measures to solve problems emerging in the development of the Internet industry and achieve a win-win situation.

The forum, co-hosted by the Microsoft corporation and the Internet Society of China, was attended by some 230 delegates from both countries' government agencies, academic institutions and major Internet companies.

The forum, set to conclude on Wednesday, will feature discussion on a variety of topics, including mobile Internet, Internet governance and cyber culture.

(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2013)