Business Breaking News

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

US calls for 'serious' action by China to stop cybertheft

By: Matthew Pennington, The Associated Press

Monday, Mar. 11, 2013 at 3:05 PM | Comments: 0

WASHINGTON - The White House called Monday for "serious steps" by China to stop cybertheft, which it described as intolerable to the international community.

National Security adviser Tom Donilon's comments reflect growing concern in Washington over the security risk posed by cyber intrusions and the economic costs for America.

Donilon said U.S. businesses are increasingly speaking out about cyber theft of confidential business information and proprietary technologies emanating from China "on a very large scale." He said Beijing "should take serious steps to investigate and put a stop to these activities" and recognize the risk it poses to international trade and to U.S.-China relations.

"The international community cannot afford to tolerate such activity from any country," Donilon told the Asia Society in New York.

He called for China to engage in a constructive dialogue with the U.S. to establish "acceptable norms of behaviour in cyberspace."

Donilon was speaking about the Obama administration's strategic commitment to greater U.S. engagement in Asia. He said that despite reductions in the defence budget, the U.S. would sustain efforts to "rebalance" to the region as it winds down its military involvement in the Middle East.

He stressed the importance of constructive relations with Beijing, where Communist Party leader Xi Jinping is due to be anointed as China's new president this week. He said that transition presented opportunities to deepen co-operation.

Donilon said diplomatic relations were good but military dialogue needed improving to prevent the risk of accidental conflict.

The growing concern over cyber intrusions from China threaten to strain U.S. relations with Beijing, which views the U.S. rebalance as an attempt to contain its emergence as a global power.

Last month, U.S.-based cybersecurity firm, Mandiant, issued a report accusing a secret Chinese military unit in Shanghai of years of cyberattacks against more than 140 companies, a majority of them American. Days later, the Obama administration announced new efforts to fight the growing theft of American trade secrets.

The Chinese government denied being involved in cybertheft, and contended that its country has also been a victim of hacking, much of it traced to the United States.

Rate this
This article has not yet been rated.

We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.

You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.

Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments

You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

There are no comments at the moment. Be the first to post a comment below.

Post Your Comment

The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.