Pentagon report deviates from building trust

BEIJING - A Pentagon report that misrepresents China's military development is a deviation from the track of building strong and normal relations between the United States and China.

While recognizing that China has increased diplomatic engagement and advocacy for the issue of cyber security, the report, released Monday by the US Department of Defense, claimed that some of the cyber attacks that targeted US government computer networks in 2012 "appear to be attributable directly to the Chinese government and military".

It also accused China of cyber spying for gaining information to benefit defense industries, military planners and government leaders.

A report filled with such groundless accusations is not in line with the efforts made by both sides to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation.

Since last year, China-US ties have been moving in a positive direction, as high-level exchanges were conducted. The United States invited China to participate in the 2014 Rim of the Pacific Exercise.

Less than a month ago, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States wants a "strong, normal and special" relationship with China, as the Asian country is a great power with the ability to advance the world.

However, the false accusations made in the report might disrupt the momentum.

China has always adhered to a path of peaceful development, pursued a military strategy that is defensive in nature and become a staunch force in safeguarding peace and stability in Asia, the Pacific region and the world.

The two countries' leaders have agreed to jointly build a cooperative partnership and explore a new type of inter-power relationship. But reaching these objectives requires earnest efforts from both sides, which should step up dialogues and discourage attempts to cause trouble.

In terms of Internet security, China is vulnerable and a frequent victim itself of cyber attacks.

Rather than turning cyberspace into a battlefield, the United States should boost cooperation with China to contribute to a safer cyberspace.