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![‘Economic espionage’ and ‘cybersecurity’ have been significant irritants in China-US ties [Image: Archives]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/usflagchinacompete.jpg)
‘Economic espionage’ and ‘cybersecurity’ have been significant irritants in China-US ties [Image: Archives]
“The Chinese side is strongly concerned over the matter and we are checking further details about it,” Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing in Beijing.
The US Justice Department has charged six Chinese nationals, including three who studied at the University of Southern California, with stealing trade secrets from US companies and using them to start a new venture with help from the Chinese government.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned that China would make sure “the legitimate rights of the Chinese citizens are guaranteed”.
One of the six suspects, Tianjin University Professor Hao Zhang was arrested on May 16 in the US.
The other five suspects are believed to be in China, according to a Reuters report.
‘Economic espionage’ and ‘cybersecurity’ have been significant irritants in China-US ties.
In May last year, the United States charged five Chinese military officers with hacking American firms, prompting China to shut down a bilateral working group on cybersecurity.
China has denied these accusations made by Washington.
“In terms of both military and political intelligence and trade secrets, the United States is the world’s No.1 cyber thief and its spying force should be indicted,” Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, said.
According to documents leaked by Edward Snowden, Washington has spied on at least 35 world leaders in addition to mass surveillance of private citizens and businesses even among key allied countries.
TBP and Agencies
