China denies any involvement in cyber theft

China has denied its government’s involvement in any form of cyber theft, accusing the United States of fabricating facts.

“We made it clear on many occasions that the Chinese government, military and relevant personnel have never engaged or participated in cyber theft for trade secrets,” Qin Gang, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said on Thursday.

Washington’s indictment of five Chinese military officials on charges of cyber theft violated principles of international relations, Qin Gang said.

The foreign ministry spokesman said the move proved to be a negative blow to the mutual trust and ties between Beijing and Washington.

“The US deliberately fabricated a story out of nothing and persisted in indicting the 5 military officers. Its actions gravely violated international law as well as the basic norms governing international relations and greatly undermined the mutual trust and cooperation between China and the US,” he noted.

Qin Gang also told reporters in Beijing that China firmly considers terrorism as a common enemy of the entire world.

He said the international community must strengthen cooperation to crack down on terrorism.

The comments came after US President Barack Obama laid out Washington’s new foreign policy strategy on Wednesday.

Obama called terrorism the most direct threat against the US at home and abroad.

Washington has charged five Chinese army officers with hacking into American nuclear, metal and solar companies “to steal trade secrets.”