(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-04 18:37

China on Tuesday refuted accusations in the British media of organizing so-called "Internet spies", calling them "irresponsible" rumors.

"The Chinese government has always opposed any Internet crimes, including hacking which is an international problem," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press conference.

His remarks came in response to a question concerning a British media report. It said officials of Britain's Security Service (MI5) sent letters to 300 executives and security chiefs of banks, accountants and legal firms, warning them the Chinese government had hacked into their computers system and was stealing confidential information.

"We express strong dissatisfaction. It is a very irresponsible act," Qin said, referring to the report.

He said China had introduced several laws regarding the protection of Internet security, and the country's computer networks had also been targeted by hackers.

Qin added Chinese and British authorities were currently cooperating on combating cyber attacks. He said China hoped the cooperation was based on facts and mutual respect.