China Rejects U.S. Hacking Accusations, Calls Them Hypocritical

China has vehemently rejected the latest hacking accusations from the United States, which claim that 12 Chinese nationals were involved in cyberattacks targeting U.S. organizations. According to China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, the accusations are “groundless” and part of a broader pattern of U.S. hypocrisy.
In a statement issued in response to the allegations, Lin Jian emphasized that China firmly opposes such claims and argued that the U.S. itself is the world’s largest “empire of hackers.” He criticized the U.S. for exhibiting double standards, highlighting that Washington has previously been involved in similar activities. “These accusations are not only unfounded but also hypocritical,” he said, underscoring that China has always been committed to protecting cyberspace security.
The U.S. had accused the 12 Chinese nationals of being part of a coordinated cyber espionage operation, allegedly targeting sensitive data from U.S. companies and government entities. The indictment also named several individuals linked to China’s Ministry of State Security, suggesting that the cyberattacks were part of a broader state-sponsored effort to steal intellectual property and sensitive information.
However, China has strongly rejected these accusations, calling them politically motivated and part of an ongoing campaign to tarnish the country’s image. Lin Jian argued that these claims were an attempt to deflect attention from U.S. cyber activities, which he said have included attacks on Chinese high-tech firms. In support of this assertion, Chinese cyberspace security institutions disclosed two separate incidents last year where U.S. intelligence agencies were alleged to have launched cyberattacks against Chinese entities.
The escalating tensions over cyber activities between the two global powers come at a time of already strained relations, particularly over trade disputes, geopolitical rivalries, and issues concerning human rights. Both nations have long been at odds over allegations of cyber espionage, with the U.S. accusing China of large-scale intellectual property theft and China countering with similar accusations against the U.S.
China’s response to the latest hacking accusations also reflects its broader strategy of defending its position in cyberspace. The Chinese government has been vocal in opposing any foreign interference in its internal affairs, including cybersecurity. It has called for greater international cooperation in establishing clear rules and norms for cyberspace governance, though it also faces accusations of stifling digital freedoms domestically.
A New Chapter in the Cyber Cold War?
The latest exchange between the U.S. and China highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in global relations. With both nations heavily invested in technological innovation and digital infrastructure, the battle for cyberspace supremacy is becoming an increasingly significant front in their broader geopolitical rivalry.
As tensions mount, it remains unclear how the U.S. and China will navigate this volatile terrain. Both sides have accused each other of engaging in cyber espionage for years, but with the latest developments, the stakes are now higher. The dispute over cybersecurity may well set the tone for future relations between the two nations, with each side seeking to strengthen its digital defenses while engaging in public diplomacy campaigns to win the narrative in global cyberspace governance.
While this issue remains unresolved, it seems likely that both powers will continue to bolster their respective cyber operations and increase diplomatic pressure, making this an ongoing issue to watch in the months ahead.