China rejects German cyber spying allegations

BEIJING, Oct 23 (Reuters) China rejected allegations from Germany that it was behind Internet espionage attacks on German companies and its government, saying on Tuesday it opposed such accusations.

The comments follow charges made by a top German intelligence official that computer hacking by China was occurring on an almost daily basis.

''I'd like to point out that the German side must make clarifications,'' Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a regular news briefing.

''We are very confused and resolutely opposed to such accusations.'' The latest charges follow German media reports in August that computer hackers linked to the Chinese military had hacked into German ministries -- including the office of Chancellor Angela Merkel -- and infected them with spying programmes.

Beijing rejected the allegation and Premier Wen Jiabao said at the time that China would take ''firm and effective action'' to prevent hacking attacks.

Liu said Germany must be responsible when making such remarks.

''We will make solemn representations to Germany and asked Germany to clarify these things,'' he said.

China also recently cancelled an annual China-German human rights dialogue meeting scheduled for December to show its displeasure over a meeting between Merkel and the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader who China considers a traitor.

REUTERS sz ht1818