China has renewed calls for stronger online governance and anti-cyberbullying measures as officials, academics and social media figures gathered at the 2026 China Internet Civilization Conference in Nanning, highlighting growing concern over how online behavior is shaping public discourse, social stability and digital culture.
The conference comes as China’s internet population surpasses 1.125 billion users, increasing pressure on regulators and technology platforms to control harmful online content while maintaining what authorities describe as a “clean and upright cyberspace”.
Speaking at the event, Yue opera performer Chen Lijun said social media had helped revive interest in traditional Chinese opera after clips of her performance in New Dragon Gate Inn went viral online. Chen, who has amassed nearly 4.6 million followers on Douyin, said creators who benefit from internet platforms also carry responsibility for improving online culture.
“I record the content I love and my practice sessions, edit them into short videos, and share them online,” she told attendees. “These works have been well received, and I’ve managed to attract some attention to Yue opera through the internet.”
Chen urged users to help create a more respectful online environment through positive engagement and responsible behavior online.
Beijing has spent recent years tightening oversight of online speech, livestreaming, celebrity fan culture and misinformation as digital platforms take on greater influence across entertainment, commerce and public opinion in China.
In a keynote address, Li Shulei said online rumors and cyberbullying damage public and societal interests and require stronger governance measures. He also called for more high-quality online content and greater promotion of what officials described as mainstream social values and culture.
Chinese authorities are increasingly focusing not only on censorship, but also on online conduct, digital culture and platform responsibility.
Technology companies operating in China are likely to face continued pressure to moderate harmful content, strengthen oversight of online abuse and respond more quickly to damaging viral behavior.
Several academics at the conference argued that the internet now shapes public behavior and personal psychology as much as traditional media once did.
Meng Man said the internet should function not only as an information provider, but also as “a platform of civilization”.
Beijing continues to treat cyberspace control as a major political priority tied to social stability and public opinion management. When the first China Internet Civilization Conference was launched in 2021, Xi Jinping described internet civilization as a key component of China’s broader push to strengthen governance and influence online.
Chinese regulators are continuing to push online platforms to remove harmful content more quickly and strengthen oversight of cyberbullying, misinformation and abusive online behavior.