I am writing to discuss with you your paper’s recent focus on the so-called “extensive China-based computer spy ring” and particularly the way the paper has carried the story in both front page and editorial. Which I believe, has sent a very misleading message that China is a threat as Chinese are launching a cyber war against the West, including a friendly country like Malta, and the Chinese government is in some way or other either behind it or not controlling it. I must say I have my deep reservations about it.

Firstly, I must point out the affiliation between the Canadian report and the claims of Tibetan “government-in-exile” plus its releasing time on sensitive March with Tibet of China. There must be some political motivation behind it. In essence, that is to help promote an image of China as a threat.

Secondly, as later denied by the White House and from the mute response by some 100 “attacked” governments including Malta, the report is itself erroneous and questionable.

Thirdly, while being appreciative of your all-along cooperation and assistance, still, as we discussed before, I insist we need the media to portray the situation as it really is and to give readers a sense of perspective on China, given the lack of information about it in the local press.

So I personally do not think it is considerate and helpful to make stories out of an unverified report in an eye-catching way.

Lastly, the position of our government is as such that this sort of claim is groundless and with a clear purpose of disgracing China, a threat which will never succeed. As ever, the Chinese government has always attached great importance to the security of the computer network and firmly opposes and severely cracks down on all crimes that damage the Internet – including hacking.

Zhimin Fu

Counsellor

Chinese Embassy