China asks US to stop groundless accusations of cyber attacks

BEIJING: China has dismissed as "groundless accusations" the recent US assertions that cyber attacks were emanating from the Communist giant and said cyber security must be an area of cooperation and not a source of friction.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei comments came after US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said on Thursday that China and Russia posed the most advanced cyber threats and that Chinese cyber espionage continues to target a broad spectrum of US interests.

"The Chinese government firmly opposes and cracks down on all types of hackers," Hong said at a regular news briefing, adding that China was also a victim of cyber attacks.

"Cyber security should be an area of cooperation rather than a source of frictions. Some US personnel should stop their groundless accusations against China," Hong said.

As two major powers in cyber space, China and the US share extensive common interests while facing common challenges, he said.

Hong called on the US to participate in dialogue and cooperation with China on the basis of mutual respect and trust to foster a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative online world.