Question: The chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service warned in an interview of China’s “debt traps” and “data traps” around the world, that economic and technological means are used to erode countries’ sovereignty.  What is your comment?

Embassy Spokesperson: The British official’s accusations are based on false intelligence, not factual evidence. The truth is there is not a single country that has fallen into the so-called “debt trap” as a result of borrowing from China.

China always follows the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in international cooperation. China does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, nor does it impose its own will on others or seek any political benefits. This is the biggest difference between China and some developed countries.

Debt issues in the developing countries boil down to the need for development. As the largest developing country, China understands the difficulties faced by other developing countries, and does whatever it can to provide assistance. China pays great attention to debt sustainability in developing countries, and has put off the highest amount of debt repayment among G20 members.

The UK is also peddling fake news and false intelligence in its accusation of China setting up “data traps” to erode other countries’ sovereignty. The truth is China is a main victim of cyber theft and attacks, and a staunch defender of cyber security.

China firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and theft in all their forms. In the recently-launched Global Initiative on Data Security, China calls for all State parties to stand against the use and abuse of ICT for destruction of critical infrastructure or theft of important data from other States. The Initiative provides a constructive solution for safeguarding global data and cyber security.

Threats to data security are a common challenge that requires a shared response through dialogue and cooperation. Ideological bias on this issue has led some people to launch smear campaigns against others and create division and confrontation. Instead of enhancing data security, this will only undermine mutual trust and international cooperation, and by extension their own interests.  

We urge the UK side to correct its mistakes, stop playing the trick of a thief crying “stop thief”, and cease its unfounded attacks against China.