US-China tensions escalate over cyber espionage allegations

Tensions in US-China relations continue to escalate after Washington charged five Chinese officers with cyber espionage targeting US corporations.

The US Department of Defense on May 20 acknowledged that the indictment issued by the US Department of Justice could negatively impact US-China military relations, but affirmed that the ability to conduct bilateral dialogue to resolve the problem would depend on China.

Five Chinese military officials accused by the US of espionage (Source: AFP/TTXVN)

Pentagon spokesman General John Kirby said that cyber security is a sensitive issue for both countries and the US does not expect China to have a positive response to the indictment.

However, the ministry still wants to maintain communication channels between the two sides and Beijing needs to work to build trust with Washington.

Meanwhile, China continues to react strongly to the US. On the same day, Beijing summoned US Ambassador to China Max Baucus to lodge a formal protest against the indictment against Chinese military officers.

Beijing says Washington is applying double standards and the indictment is intended to mislead public opinion.

According to VNA