China gained full access to the World Wide Web 30 years ago, on April 20, 1994. Thirty years later, China has the largest network infrastructure and the second-largest digital economy in the world.

The digital economy has become a powerful engine for China's economy. With the support of advanced internet technology, even small sellers in China are able to enjoy the benefits of globalization, selling their goods to the world, while Chinese internet entrepreneurs have extended their e-commerce platforms to the whole world.

Today, the market capitalization of Chinese internet enterprises has reached nearly 10 trillion yuan ($1.38 trillion), with nine of them ranking among the top 30 in the world. Last year, China's online retail sales reached 15.4 trillion yuan, ranking first in the world for 11 consecutive years.

The internet has been very significant for the world. But the past 30 years show that its significance is even more special for China. The internet has made it easier for people's voices to be expressed and heard, laying the foundation for improving governance.

At a time when economic globalization encounters backlashes, the internet will not only cushion the world against them, but also be a window for maintaining openness and communication in extreme cases.

The internet does have a negative side, such as the spread of rumors, information cocoons, privacy breaches, media manipulation and public opinion biases, but its benefits, if well managed, can outweigh its harms. In particular, the spirit of equality, transparency and openness that the internet brings should be further nurtured to make life better.