Smearing China Cannot Help Remove U.S. Label as Empire of Hacking: Defense Spokesperson

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) - In response to a recent US assessment report that has drawn criticism from China for its irresponsible remarks on the country's cyber activities, a Chinese military spokesperson has condemned the US accusations, saying that smearing China cannot help remove the US label as an "empire of hacking".

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made these remarks while addressing a media query concerning the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment released by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The report has been criticized by China for its perceived biases and lack of objectivity in evaluating the country's cyber activities.

"The United States often accuses others of actions it itself has taken or is currently engaged in," Zhang said, highlighting the hypocrisy of US accusations against other countries. "This behavior is not only a major source of cyberattacks against China but also a well-known global cyber threat."

Zhang further emphasized that the US has a poor record on cyber issues, citing notable examples such as WikiLeaks, Snowden, Stellar Wind, and Telescreen. He argued that these instances demonstrate the US willingness to conduct surveillance, steal secrets, and attack others without regard for international norms or laws.

"The United States would stop at nothing to conduct surveillance, steal secrets, and attack others," Zhang stated firmly. "Smearing China cannot help remove the US label as an 'empire of hacking'. Instead, we urge the US side to stop acting like a thief crying 'stop thief', refrain from launching cyberattacks against other countries, including China, and restore a clean and secure cyberspace with responsible words and actions."

In essence, Zhang's statement reflects China's frustration with what it perceives as double standards in international relations, particularly when it comes to cybersecurity issues. By emphasizing the US hypocrisy, he seeks to shift the focus from China's alleged cyber activities to the US own behavior and actions.