US President Donald Trump has openly acknowledged that Washington conducts espionage against China, saying the United States “spies on them, too.”
The unusually direct statement comes as relations between Washington and Beijing remain tense over trade, advanced technology, cybersecurity and national security.
Trump’s comments follow a recent US operation targeting a Chinese-linked hacking campaign accused of attempting to penetrate American government agencies and critical infrastructure.
Washington has repeatedly warned that cyber operations linked to China pose a serious threat to sensitive systems and national security.
Beijing, meanwhile, has consistently rejected accusations of state-sponsored cyberattacks and criticized US surveillance activities.
The latest remarks add another sensitive issue to an already complicated relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
Trade disputes and competition over artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other strategic technologies have further intensified tensions between the two governments.
The timing is particularly significant, with a Trump-Xi summit expected next month.
The two leaders are likely to face difficult discussions over economic and security issues, with espionage and cyber activity adding another potential source of confrontation.
While both sides have an interest in stabilizing relations, the latest comments highlight just how deep the strategic rivalry between Washington and Beijing has become.
