WASHINGTON, March 26. /TASS/. The majority of cyberattacks are carried out from the US, which is why Washington is putting global critical infrastructure at risk, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, told TASS.

"The US itself is the origin and the biggest perpetrator of cyberattacks. The US Cyber Force Command openly declared that the critical infrastructure of other countries is a legitimate target for US cyberattacks, exposing global critical infrastructure to huge risks," he said commenting on Washington’s move to bring cybercrime charges against seven Chinese nationals and impose new sanctions.

According to Liu, "since last year, China's cybersecurity agencies have released reports revealing the US government's long-running cyberattacks against China's critical infrastructure." "We urge the US to stop worldwide cyber espionage and cyberattacks, and stop smearing other countries under the excuse of cyber security," the Chinese embassy spokesperson stressed.

Liu noted that cybersecurity was a global challenge. "China is a major victim of cyberattacks. We have firmly fought and stopped all kinds of malicious cyber activities in accordance with the law, and advocated joint response from all countries through dialogue and cooperation. We hope relevant parties will take a responsible attitude and jointly safeguard peace and security in cyberspace," the diplomat pointed out.

On Monday, the US, in coordination with the British authorities, blacklisted the Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, as well as Chinese nationals Ni Gaobin and Zhao Guangzong, allegedly linked to the APT31 hacking group. According to the US Department of State, the two are among the seven Chinese citizens whom Washington has charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud. The US authorities claim that restrictions have been imposed on the Chinese company and individuals "for their roles in malicious cyber activities <...> that present a significant threat to US national security.".