China Counters Anglo-American ‘Ganging Up’ against Beijing with Empty Hacking Allegations

July 20, 2021 (EIRNS)—China has forcefully countered accusations that it is engaged in a global hacking campaign, in response to U.S. and U.K. government statements on July 19 alleging that hackers affiliated with China’s Ministry of State Security were involved in the cyberattacks on the Microsoft Exchange email software in March.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian responded to a question from Reuters today:

“The U.S. ganged up with its allies to make groundless accusations out of thin air against China on the cyber security issue. ... China firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks. It will never encourage, support or condone cyber attacks. This position has been consistent and clear. Given the virtual nature of cyberspace and the fact that there are all kinds of online actors who are difficult to trace, it’s important to have enough evidence when investigating and identifying cyber-related incidents. It requires extra prudence when linking cyber attacks with the government of any country. The so-called technical details released by the U.S. side do not constitute a complete chain of evidence.

“In fact, the U.S. is the world's largest source of cyber attacks. According to a report of 360, a Chinese cyber security firm ... showed that APT-C-39, a cyber attack organization of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, has carried out cyber infiltration and attacks on China for 11 years in key areas such as aerospace, science and research institutions, oil industry, large Internet companies and government agencies,”

he said.

He went on to cite U.S. using Danish intelligence to spy on its NATO and other allies “while making a fuss about ‘China's cyber attacks’ based on hearsay evidence.

“The cyber attack is a common threat faced by all. We always hold that countries should safeguard cyber security through dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit. ... China once again strongly demands that the U.S. and its allies stop cyber theft and attacks targeting China, stop slinging mud at China on this issue, and revoke the so-called indictment.”