China says US hacking allegations are 'groundless'

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September 14, 2015 8:15 AM

China routinely denies any involvement in hacking activities and also claims that it’s also a victim of the cybersecurity concerns.

China also says that it is a victim of the same hacking allegations levelled against it by the US.

China has reacted angrily to a call made by US Director of Intelligence, James Clapper, to step up cybersecurity measures against China and said the United States should stop making “groundless accusations.”

China routinely denies any involvement in hacking activities and also claims that it’s also a victim of the cybersecurity concerns.

"Maintaining cyber security should be a point of cooperation rather than a source of friction between both China and the United States," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily news briefing.

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"We hope that the U.S. stops its groundless attacks against China, start dialogue based on a foundation of mutual respect, and jointly build a cyberspace that is peaceful, secure, open and cooperative."

Several US officials have said the Obama administration is considering placing sanctions on select Chinese individuals and companies for cyberattacks against the US.

Clapper’s testimony adds pressure on Beijing for its hacking activities, weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the United States.

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