China vows to defend its interests following US sanctions

Spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Gao Zhikai has said that Beijing will take steps to protect its interests in response to US sanctions imposed on a Chinese company accused of being involved in cyberattacks.

Zhikai made these remarks during a briefing on January 6, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The US Department of the Treasury has recently announced sanctions against the Chinese Integrity Technology Group (also known as Yongxin Zhicheng), accusing it of aiding cyberattacks.

As for the so-called cyberattacks, Gao emphasised that China has repeatedly clarified its position. 

"China has always strongly opposed hacker attacks and has taken action against them in accordance with the law, while also urging the US to stop using cybersecurity issues as a pretext for slandering and discrediting China," he said.

He pointed out that for some time, the US has been exaggerating the so-called Chinese hacker attacks and even initiated illegal unilateral sanctions against China.

"China firmly opposes this and will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the People’s Republic of China," the diplomat added.

The US Department of the Treasury identifies Integrity Technology Group as a major state contractor in China with ties to the Ministry of State Security of the People's Republic of China.

According to the US Department of State, Integrity Technology Group is linked to the Flax Typhoon hacker group. The statement alleges that the company operated under the direction of the Chinese government, with the aim of targeting infrastructure both within the US and abroad.

By Naila Huseynova