Zhang Jun, China's ambassador to the United Nations. [Photo/Agencies] Countries should be able to pursue their own path of internet development without "hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism" and participate in cyberspace governance on an "equal footing", China's ambassador to the United Nations said on Tuesday. "It is essential to respect the rights of all countries to independently choose the path of internet development and internet management model, and to participate in the governance of cyberspace on an equal footing. The application of the law of armed conflict in cyberspace should be dealt with cautiously, and arms races in cyberspace should be prevented," Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, told a Security Council high-level open debate on cybersecurity.