China urges US to stop cyber attack accusations

China has urged the US to stop its "groundless accusations" of cyber attacks, adding that cyber security should be an area of cooperation rather than a source of frictions, the media reported on Saturday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the comment on Friday after US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said that China and Russia posed the most advanced cyber threats and that Chinese cyber espionage continues to target a broad spectrum of US interests, the People's Daily reported.

"The Chinese government firmly opposes and cracks down on all types of hackers," Hong said, adding that China is also a victim of cyber attacks.

As two major powers in cyber space, China and the US share extensive common interests while facing common challenges, he said.

"Cyber security should be an area of cooperation rather than a source of frictions. Some US personnel should stop their groundless accusations against China," Hong said.

The spokesman called on the US to participate in dialogue and cooperation with China on the basis of mutual respect and trust to foster a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative online world.