Cyber Spying Charges Put Strain on U.S.-China Relations

The Heat

CYBER HACKING Technology

The United States vowed to hold nations accountable for cyber-spying. And Monday the U.S. Justice Department announced charges against China.

For the first time, the United States Justice Department has accused China of cyber-spying. An indictment was issued against five Chinese military officials. It alleges the officers from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army conspired to hack into the computers of six American companies — stealing trade secrets. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the charges should serve as a wake-up call.

China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang strongly denied the allegations. “The Chinese government, the Chinese military and their relevant personnel have never engaged or participated in cyber theft of trade secrets. The U.S. accusation against Chinese personnel is purely ungrounded and absurd,” Gang said.
China lodged a protest, urging the United States to correct its mistake and withdraw the indictment. It also suspended activities with the China – U.S. Cyber Working Group. CCTV’s Jim Spellman provides perspective on the situation.
Follow Jim Spellman on Twitter @jimspellmanTV


Our panel discusses the U.S. filing criminal charges against five Chinese military officials for cyber espionage. Our panel includes:
In Los Angeles, Christian Whiton, a former U.S. State Department official during the George W. Bush administration and the current President of the Hamilton Foundation — a Los Angeles based think tank.
In Washington, Robert Daly, the Director of the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States.
From New York, Victor Gao, the Director of the China National Association of International Studies.

PANEL DISCUSSION CONTINUES