ZHENGZHOU - A senior Chinese Internet official on Wednesday called on major websites to become a force to "spread positive energy" and play a leading role in guiding public opinion.

Minister of the State Internet Information Office Lu Wei said in an online media forum that mainstream news portals and big commercial websites should play an exemplary role in strengthening management, developing healthy trends, pooling positive energy and contributing to the Chinese dream.

The official said China has a general goal of building "clear and bright" cyberspace.

To realize the goal, cyberspace should be built for the people, ruled by law, civilized and safe, he said, adding it should also promote integrity and be innovation driven.

The official proposed using the Internet to "hear the will of the people, promote advanced socialist culture, and carry forward the virtue of integrity".

Lu also stressed the importance of improving laws and regulations regarding Internet use, cracking down on online crime, and building a safe online environment by strengthening Internet security.

As an important bridge linking the Communist Party of China and the government to the people, the Internet should tell stories of common people pursuing their dreams, said the official.