U.S.: China cyberespionage puts ‘enormous strain’ on ties

FILE - In this July 22, 2015 file photo, National Security Adviser Susan Rice gives a briefing at the White House in Washington. Cyberespionage for economic gain by China is putting “enormous strain” on U.S.-China relations and needs to stop, Rice said Monday.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) FILE - In this July 22, 2015 file photo, National Security Adviser Susan Rice gives a briefing at the White House in Washington. Cyberespionage for economic gain by China is putting “enormous strain” on U.S.-China relations and needs to stop, Rice said Monday.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

By Associated Press September 21, 2015 2 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Cyberespionage for economic gain by China is putting “enormous strain” on U.S.-China relations and needs to stop, President Barack Obama’s national security adviser said Monday.

Susan Rice was speaking on relations between the two world powers at George Washington University ahead of a high-profile state visit this week by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Rice urged China to join the U.S. in promoting responsible forms of state behavior in cyberspace. She said it would be a “critical factor” in determining trajectory of US-China ties.

“This isn’t a mild irritation; it’s an economic and national security concern to the United States. It puts enormous strain on our bilateral relationship,” Rice said.

Hacking attacks on U.S. companies and government agencies have become a growing source of tension ahead of the visit by Xi, who will meet Obama on Friday.