AFP: The U.S. law enforcement on Tuesday announced the seizure of Internet domains, allegedly used by Chinese hackers to target government agencies and critical infrastructure. The Justice Department and FBI said the seized domains were used by a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, known as “QTFY” and by hacking platforms, known as “QScan” and “QTRouter.” I wonder if the foreign ministry can comment on this? 

Lin Jian: We notice relevant reports. China firmly opposes hacking and combats it in accordance with the laws. China also firmly opposes spreading disinformation for political agenda. The so-called “statement” lacks evidence and confuses right and wrong. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the U.S.’s wrong practice of slinging mud at China under the pretext of cybersecurity.

The U.S. has been widely condemned as the world’s largest “hacking empire” and “eavesdropping empire” with a blemished record and solid evidence to prove it. China has grave concerns with the U.S. on cybersecurity. The cases previously exposed, including the U.S. National Security Agency attacking and pre-positioning capability to disrupt China’s National Time Service Center, have laid bare the dangerous U.S. administration’s practice of carrying out cyberattacks on China’s critical infrastructure and pre-positioning in China’s critical infrastructure for potential large-scale destructive operations in the future. The U.S. side, however, has never made a response on this issue.

When it comes to cyber issues, China and the U.S. are countries with big influence. The two sides should take the lead to safeguard and follow the international rules on cyberspace and jointly build a relationship in cyberspace featured by peace, stability and mutual respect. We urge the U.S. to quit double standards and political manipulation, take a responsible and constructive approach, and properly handle the risks on cybersecurity by equal-footed dialogue and consultation with China.