China FM, HK address US on cyber attacks
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E-mail China.org.cn, June 24, 2013
The Hong Kong government has formally addressed the U.S. government requesting clarification on reports regarding the alleged hacking of computer systems in Hong Kong by U.S. government agencies, according to a statement released on the government website of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sunday.
The statement said the government will continue to follow up on the matter in order to protect the legal rights of the people of Hong Kong.
While expressing China's grave concerns about the alleged cyber attacks launched by U.S. government agencies against China, the nation’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying added China had lodged representations to the U.S. side.
She made the remarks during a press briefing on Sunday when asked by a journalist to comment on media reports that the U.S. side had launched cyber attacks against Chinese telecom operators and Tsinghua University.
Hua said the reports "again proved that China is the victim of cyber attacks."
She reiterated that China opposes all forms of cyber attacks.
"We are willing to enhance dialogue and cooperation with the international community in a spirit of mutual respect, to jointly safeguard peace and security in cyberspace," she said.
At this moment, Edward Snowden has already left Hong Kong on his own accord for a third country through a lawful and normal channel, and Hong Kong has informed the U.S. government of his departure, the statement read.
The Hong Kong government said the U.S. government had earlier requested a provisional warrant of arrest against Mr Snowden.
Since the documents provided by the U.S. government did not fully comply with legal requirements under Hong Kong law, the Hong Kong government requested additional information so that the Department of Justice could consider whether the U.S. government's request met the relevant legal conditions, said the statement.
As the Hong Kong government did not yet have sufficient information to process the request, there was no legal basis to restrict Mr. Snowden from leaving Hong Kong, the statement added.
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