China should use the Internet as an important platform of diplomacy to boost the country's online voice and lift its international image, a political advisor said Tuesday.

Wang Xianpeng, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks on the sidelines of the top political advisory body's annual session.

"The importance of the Internet has been on the increase to influence international opinions and compete for greater say in global affairs," said Wang, also president of Beijing-based China Information Studies Society.

China currently has the world's largest number of Internet users, with its netizens totalling 384 million by the end of 2009.

The country should further use the Internet to publicize Chinese policies and culture on the Internet and timely release authoritative news, particular in case of major emergencies and accidents, Wang said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 9, 2010)