China analysts reject cyber-espionage claims

Chinese analysts dismiss claims that China-based cyber spies have hacked governmental and private computers in over 100 countries. 

"This is purely another political issue that the West is trying to exaggerate," Beijing-based strategy and military analyst, Song Xiaojun told China Daily. 

"Cyber security has been a global issue, but this time those who see China as an emerging threat again have picked the subject as a new weapon," said Peking University Professor Zhu Feng. 

Canadian scientists recently released a report claiming that the Chinese network had infiltrated at least 1,295 computers including those belonging to the Dalai Lama. 

The Canadian report, titled Tracking GhostNet: Investigating a Cyber Espionage Network, said that the cyber-espionage network, dubbed GhostNet, is capable of searching computers as well as seeing and hearing its users. 

"GhostNet is capable of taking full control of infected computers, including searching and downloading specific files, and covertly operating attached devices, including microphones and web cameras," the report says. 

A second report from the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory alleged that the network had even infected computers at NATO and government offices as well as embassies to gain complete control of them. 

Although the repots do not provide any strong evidence that the Chinese government was behind the operation, they claim China is one of the countries -- including the US and the UK -- that is 'assumed' to have considerable cyber-espionage capabilities. 

"Chinese cyber espionage is a major global concern... (b)ut attributing all Chinese malware to deliberate or targeted intelligence gathering operations by the Chinese state is wrong and misleading," said the Canadian report. "The sheer number of young digital natives online can more than account for the increase in Chinese malware."