China opposes cyber attack targeted at third nation: FM
By Global Times - Agencies Source:Global Times-Agencies Published: 2014-12-23
China on Monday stressed that it is opposed to all forms of cyber attacks and cyber terrorism, as well as any countries or individuals that launch cyber attacks on a third country from foreign soil, according to foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.
Hua made the remarks in a regular press briefing in response to the alleged hacking of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which the US claims were launched by the North Korean government. The US has invited China to jointly investigate the attack.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi talked with US Secretary of State John Kerry over the phone on Sunday night, during which Wang made clear China's stance on the cyber attack issue, according to a foreign ministry statement.
Hua said China is prepared to be involved in constructive cooperation with the international community to safeguard peace and security in cyber space on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claimed Friday that what it called "enough information" had been found to conclude that North Korea was "responsible" for the attack.
The hackers said they were incensed by a Sony comedy, about a fictional assassination of North Korean leader
Kim Jong-un, which the studio has pulled.
North Korea has denied it was to blame.
Hua did not mention the US proposal for joint action.
"Before making any conclusions there has to be sufficient factual evidence," she said, adding that China will handle it in accordance with relevant international and Chinese laws, and
according to the facts.
US President Barack Obama and his advisers are weighing how to punish North Korea after the FBI concluded on Friday it was responsible for the attack on Sony.
North Korea's state news agency said it did not know who had hacked Sony Pictures.
"We do not know who or where they are but we can surely say that they are supporters and sympathizers with the DPRK," the KCNA news agency said.