On August 24, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference. A reporter asked about recent remarks by some US officials on social media, which accused Chinese tech companies of using high-risk technologies that could lead to espionage, cyber attacks, and network disruptions. The US was urged to quickly switch to reliable suppliers among its Western Hemisphere partners in order to protect its citizens and national sovereignty. What is China's comment on this?
Lin Jian stated that such statements fabricate facts and distort the truth, representing a naked form of technological bullying and unilateral coercion. The Chinese side firmly opposes this.
Chinese technology companies are advanced in technology, offer high value for money, and provide safe and efficient services. During their operations overseas, they strictly comply with the laws and regulations of each country as well as industry standards. They have gained high recognition and favor from local partners and the public. They also make positive contributions to the local economic and social development as well as employment opportunities. They are truly worthy and reliable suppliers.
It is true that the US has been conducting surveillance and cyber attacks in Latin America and the Caribbean for a long time, making the nations in the region feel insecure and untrustworthy. We advise the US to stop political manipulation and interference in the sovereign rights of these countries to choose their own partners. Instead, they should focus on actions that promote prosperity and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
According to a message on the WeChat public account 'China Embassy in Panama' dated August 24, on August 22, the China Embassy in Panama responded to the US statements that aimed to smear Chinese technology companies.
We noticed that the social media accounts of the U.S. Embassy in Panama have reposted statements by certain U.S. officials who falsely accuse Chinese technology companies.
Creating things out of nothing, distorting facts are the common tactics used by some American politicians. The claims that so-called Chinese companies are conducting espionage activities for the Communist Party lack any basic factual basis. Whether a company's products are safe should be judged by facts and technology. Relevant Chinese companies operate in markets in countries like Brazil and Latin America, strictly comply with local laws and industry standards, and are recognized by local users. They have made positive contributions to local economic and social development as well as employment opportunities.
"Thieves cry out for thieves; turning things around in the opposite direction is a typical robber logic." The US generalizes the concept of national security, restricts the normal development of Chinese enterprises, and forces regional countries to replace Chinese products. This is a naked form of technological bullying. The US is truly keen on conducting espionage activities globally, even at the expense of its allies. For those who are only interested in geopolitical calculations, they might suspect that even fried pancakes contain hidden listening devices.
