Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

In response to the UK's announcement of sanctions against two Chinese companies over alleged cyberattacks against the UK and its allies, a spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that China firmly opposes and cracks down on hacking activities in accordance with the law, and at the same time, resolutely opposes the dissemination of false information for political purposes. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the UK's approach of politicizing cybersecurity issues and has already lodged stern representations with the UK in both Beijing and London.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that China itself is a major victim of cyberattacks, and not long ago, China disclosed information about the US National Security Agency's cyberattack and infiltration of the National Time Service Center of China. 

It is noteworthy that the UK was one of the launching pads for this cyberattack against China by the US. China has already provided relevant information to the UK, he said. As the UK is a member of both the "Five Eyes" alliance and NATO, China hopes the UK will clarify what role it played in the US' cyberattacks against China's critical information infrastructure, Guo said.

The spokesperson said cybersecurity is a global common challenge, and we urge the UK to immediately correct its erroneous practices, abandon double standards and politicization schemes, and work with China in a truly responsible and constructive manner to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in cyberspace.

In response to the UK's announcement of sanctions against two Chinese companies over alleged cyberattacks against the UK and its allies, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK issued a statement on Tuesday night. The spokesperson said that the UK, acting in collusion with the US, had deliberately smeared China and imposed illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese entities.

The embassy urges the UK to immediately correct its wrong approach, revoke the sanctions against the Chinese companies, and stop smearing and vilifying China. China will take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, said the spokesperson.

Global Times