Synopsis
On April 16, a Chinese military spokesperson criticized a US report for its irresponsible claims about China, stating that such accusations won't alter the US's established image as a hacking empire. The spokesperson urged the US to stop its cyberattacks and rethink its aggressive defense spending.Key Takeaways
- China criticized US cyber accusations.
- Zhang Xiaogang highlighted US cyber threats.
- US defense budget reaches $1 trillion.
- US history of cyber issues cited.
- Call for responsible international behavior.
Beijing, April 16 (NationPress) A spokesperson from the Chinese military criticized a recent report by the US for its irresponsible statements regarding China, emphasizing that defaming China will not erase the US's reputation as the empire of hacking.
Zhang Xiaogang, representing the Ministry of National Defence, made these comments in response to a media inquiry about the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment published by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Zhang pointed out that the United States frequently accuses other nations of actions it has either carried out or continues to engage in, asserting that it is not only the primary source of cyberattacks against China but also a notorious global cyber threat.
He noted that the US has a dismal history regarding cyber matters, referencing WikiLeaks, Edward Snowden, Stellar Wind, and Telescreen as pertinent examples.
Zhang asserted that the United States would go to great lengths to conduct surveillance, steal confidential information, and attack other nations.
“Defaming China cannot remove the US's label as the empire of hacking,” he stated, urging the US to cease its behavior akin to a thief shouting “stop thief,” to halt cyberattacks against other nations, including China, and to promote a clean and secure cyberspace with responsible words and actions, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The Chinese defense spokesperson also remarked that “wanton use of force will not make America great again” in light of reports indicating that the US defense budget for the fiscal year 2026 is projected to reach a staggering 1 trillion US dollars.
Zhang claimed that such actions would only bring painful consequences to the American populace and the broader global community.
This exorbitant defense budget further highlights the belligerent nature of the US and its belief in “might makes right,” he asserted.
Zhang pointed out that while the US government is heavily in debt, it continues to invest ill-gotten gains obtained from other countries into arms manufacturing.
He called on the US to abandon its obsession with hegemony and to understand that wanton use of force will not restore America's greatness.
