China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly accused the United States of leveraging nearby nations to mount cyber operations against the People’s Republic. The ministry issued a statement alleging Washington spreads misinformation about Chinese hackers while simultaneously pressuring or enticing neighbors to host U.S. cyber personnel in the name of security, framing such moves as a potential trigger for regional conflict. The position stressed that cyber actions originating in the United States could threaten Beijing’s strategic interests and said China resists any deployment of American cyber forces to states that sit near its borders.
According to the ministry, Washington uses a combination of rhetoric and pressure to create practical footholds in adjacent countries, arguing that these steps would allow the United States to project power or influence. The statement asserted that such deployments could undermine the stability of the region and complicate China’s security environment. It warned that the presence of U.S. cyber units in neighboring states might be used as a forward base for broader operations, thereby elevating the risk of escalatory incidents that affect multiple countries in the area. The foreign ministry framed the issue as one of safeguarding national security and regional peace against outside interference in cyberspace.
Officials noted prior incidents involving alleged hacking activity targeting American diplomats in China, including interactions with the U.S. Ambassador to China and other senior officials in East Asian affairs. The ministry suggested these events illustrate a pattern where cyber tensions spill over into diplomatic and political channels, prompting Beijing to call for restraint and respect for sovereignty in cyberspace. They argued that such episodes underscore the need for clear norms and non-interference when it comes to cyber activity that touches the interests of other states.
In the broader narrative, the ministry asserted that U.S. actions in cyberspace are part of a wider strategy to shape regional security dynamics. The message emphasized that China would continue to monitor developments closely and respond to any attempt to deploy foreign cyber capabilities in a manner that undermines its national security. It called for transparency, responsible conduct, and a commitment to international law as foundational principles guiding cyber engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
Analysts note that the exchange comes amid a charged environment where cyber issues intersect with diplomacy, economics, and security. The Chinese position reflects long-standing concerns about sovereignty, control over critical digital infrastructure, and the potential for miscalculation when cyber tools are used to pressure neighboring states. While it remains to be seen how these tensions will evolve, Washington’s posture in cyberspace remains a focal point for discussions about deterrence, alliance-building, and the responsible governance of cyber power in a crowded regional arena. [Attribution: China’s Foreign Ministry statement and subsequent briefings]