U.S. tells China cyber espionage is more than an irritant, must stop
Reprints
(Reuters) —U.S. national security adviser Susan Rice on Monday issued a stern warning to China before President Xi Jinping's visit that state-sponsored cyber espionage must stop, calling it a national security concern and critical factor in U.S.-China relations.
“This isn't a mild irritation, it's an economic and national security concern to the United States,” she said during remarks at George Washington University.
“It puts enormous strain on our bilateral relationship, and it is a critical factor in determining the future trajectory of U.S.-China ties.”
President Barack Obama and President Xi are expected to have an intense back-and-forth about the issue when the Chinese leader comes to the White House this week.
“Cyber-enabled espionage that targets personal and corporate information for the economic gain of businesses undermines our long-term economic cooperation and it needs to stop,” Ms. Rice said.
Ms. Rice also said the United States would insist on maintaining freedom of navigation and commerce through busy sea lanes in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
Ms. Rice said President Obama would be direct with President Xi on those issues and disagreements over human rights at their meetings.
Read Next
-
U.S. weighs sanctioning Russia as well as China in cyber attacks
(Reuters) — The United States is considering sanctions against both Russian and Chinese individuals and companies for cyber attacks against U.S. commercial targets, several U.S. officials said on Monday.
Related Stories
-
U.S. weighs sanctioning Russia as well as China in cyber attacks
-
China will work with U.S. on hacking, defend its interests: Official
-
