China is committed to developing a digital economy with openness and shared benefits and the rapid development of the country's internet is visible proof of its success, said Ren Xianliang, deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China.

Ren reiterated that China advocates the free flow of information and welcomed foreign businesses to work in the country, on the condition that they abide by local rules and regulations.

"We welcome global internet companies to develop their businesses in China. But this is based on the premise that they will obey the local laws," Ren said at a State Council Information Office news conference on Thursday.