Beijing accuses US of slander on cybersecurity issue

Beijing deplores Washington's practice of slandering China under the pretext of cybersecurity, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

On Tuesday, the United States Justice Department announced the seizure of internet domains allegedly used by Chinese hackers to target government agencies and critical infrastructure.

The US statement on the matter lacks evidence and confuses right and wrong, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, adding that disinformation should not be spread for political motives.

China also firmly opposes and combats hacking in accordance with the law, Lin said.

Noting that there is solid evidence to suggest that the US is the world's largest hacking and eavesdropping empire, Lin said that China has serious concerns about the US on cybersecurity issues.

Lin added that the US has never made any response when it comes to its dangerous cyberattacks against China.

As major cyber powers, the two countries should take the lead to safeguard and follow the international rules on cyberspace and jointly build a cyber relationship characterized by peace, stability and mutual respect.

He urged the US to abandon double standards and political manipulation, adopt a responsible and constructive manner and properly deal with cybersecurity risks with China through dialogue and consultation.