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Keira Lu Huang

Agencies in Washington

The leaders of China and the United States agreed on Friday to take new steps to address cyberspying, vowing that neither country’s government would conduct or knowingly support cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property.
The two nations also agreed to step up cooperation on combating transnational crime, and on repatriation of fugitives, following the talks between US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaking to reporters after the talks, Obama said the two nations had agreed not to conduct or condone cyber attacks on each other’s private sector for commercial gains.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Xi's visit
“I indicated it has to stop,” Obama said, referring to rising concerns of the US that China was involved in cybertheft.
Obama said he did not discuss specific cases with Xi.

The White House said the two nations agreed to create a high-level joint dialogue for fighting cybercrime, and were committed to finding appropriate norms of state behaviour in cyberspace within the international community. A hotline will be set up to deal with cyber crime.
But Obama also laid out a fresh threat of sanctions against China for alleged cybercrimes, saying he will be wary until the Chinese follow through on the promised efforts to stop cyber espionage.
READ MORE: From cybersecurity to South China Sea territorial disputes: 5 big challenges and outcomes in Sino-US relations
As for the possibility of sanctions, against either individuals or state-run companies, he said: “We will apply those, and whatever other tools we have in our tool kit, to go after cybercriminals either retrospectively or prospectively.”
Xi is paying his first state visit to the US, which comes at a time of heightened tensions as the two countries tussle over a host of issues ranging from cyber espionage and China’s posturing in the South China Sea.

On the South China Sea, Obama said China’s land reclamation made it harder for countries in the region to resolve disagreement in a peaceful manner.
I indicated [commercial cyber crime] has to stop
President Obama
The US was not a claimant to the South China Sea, but it had to ensure that rules were upheld and that freedom of navigation was maintained, Obama said. The US would continue to sail and fly to the area where international law allowed, he said.
Xi said China opposed the theft of commercial secrets and would take US concerns seriously, but added that the issue should not be politicised.
Xi said the two nations would step up cyber crime investigation and information sharing. However, in remarks seen as showing differences between the two sides, he said China had the right to uphold legitimate interests in the South China Sea.
Xi reiterated that China’s economic reform would continue.
With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP


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'I indicated it has to stop': Obama gets tough on cyberspying as new China-US pact agreed against threat of sanctions

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a welcome ceremony held by US President Barack Obama at the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C. on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

The two presidents have found common ground on a number of issues during Xi Jinping's first official state visit to the US. Photo: Xinhua

The two presidents have found common ground on a number of issues during Xi Jinping's first official state visit to the US. Photo: AP

US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet guests during an arrival ceremony at the White House. Photo: Reuters

China, US to address differences ‘candidly’ as Barack Obama welcomes Xi Jinping to White House

President Xi Jinping and his first lady Peng Liyuan join US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle in greeting people at the White House yesterday as the state visit continued. Photo: AFP

Pomp and ceremony as Obama and military honour guard welcome President Xi Jinping onto White House lawn

President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping inspect the troops during an official state arrival ceremony for the Chinese president. Photo: AP

China's first lady Peng Liyuan stands with US first lady Michelle Obama. Photo: Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping walks on the White House lawn. Photo: Keira Lu Huang

‘Ni hao’: Barack Obama takes the personal approach with Xi Jinping during private dinner 

Chinese President Xi Jinping is greeted by US President Barack Obama as he arrives at the White House in Washington DC. Photo: Xinhua

US President Barack Obama chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they walk from the West Wing of the White House to a private dinner across the street at Blair House, in Washington. Photo: Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a private dinner with US President Barack Obama at the Blair House in Washington DC. Photo: Xinhua

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