China's central news websites have backed a proposal for the eradication of pornographic and violent Internet content and vowed to promote the building of a socialist harmonious society.
In a joint announcement, 11 news websites vehemently supported the self-censorship initiative, saying it represents the aspiration of China's Internet users.
"Chinese websites are capable and confident of resisting indecent Internet content," the announcement said.
The central websites are China's major channels of Internet news releases and the main sources of news for other websites.
They include Xinhuanet.com, People.com.cn, China.com.cn, Chinadaily.com.cn, and Chinanews.com.
The websites also vowed to play a leading role in self-censoring Internet content in compliance with the "Eight Honours and Disgraces", a new concept of socialist morality set forth by President Hu Jintao recently.
"We will make the Internet a vital publisher of scientific theories, spread the advanced cultures and promote decency, so as to boost economic growth, maintain social stability, and promote the building of a socialist harmonious society," they pledged.
A joint proposal on Sunday by 14 Beijing-based portals had said that they were blocking "unhealthy" content and inspired all portals to join them.
"We are in a stern opposition to indecent on-line messages that undermine public morality and the culture and fine traditions of the Chinese people," the proposal acknowledged.
{{/usCountry}}"We are in a stern opposition to indecent on-line messages that undermine public morality and the culture and fine traditions of the Chinese people," the proposal acknowledged.
{{/usCountry}}"No indecent texts and photos, no search engines for such content, no links to indecent websites, and no games involving sex and violence," it promised.
The proposal also urged Internet portals to ban illegal, obscene, and "poor taste" photos, texts or audio messages on on-line forums, chat-rooms and blogs.
China has approximately 700,000 portals and more than 111 million Internet users.
The government has launched campaigns to clean up cyberspace, in a conscientious effort to promote a healthy cultural environment.