China Warns US to Cease All Espionage Activities
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China Warns US to Cease All Espionage Activities
- China's Ministry of Commerce stated on Friday, September 11, 2026, that it has "firm resolve and abundant means" to retaliate against US spying, urging an immediate halt to all such activities.
- This stern warning from Beijing follows remarks made on Tuesday, September 9, 2026, by Michael Ellis, the Deputy Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, who publicly defended expanding intelligence work targeting Chinese companies in sectors like AI and semiconductors.
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Beijing, China – China has issued a strong condemnation of alleged US espionage activities targeting Chinese companies, particularly those in the artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor, and biotechnology sectors. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) released a statement on Friday, September 11, 2026, expressing “grave concerns” and “firm opposition” to these actions, and urged the United States to immediately cease all such intelligence gathering.
The ministry’s remarks were a direct response to comments made earlier in the week by Michael Ellis, the Deputy Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Speaking at a cybersecurity conference on Tuesday, September 9, 2026, Ellis stated that the CIA was expanding its intelligence operations concerning China, identifying Chinese companies in advanced technology fields as “legitimate targets” for espionage. He justified this by highlighting China’s role as an economic competitor and arguing that valuable information about advanced technology often resides within the private sector.
China’s MOFCOM spokesperson criticized the US stance as “gangster logic of hegemony” and accused the US of “brazenly declaring” its intent to spy on Chinese enterprises. The ministry emphasized that economic competition is a normal commercial activity, and technological advancements are achieved through innovation, talent, and sustained investment. It warned that interference by US intelligence agencies disrupts normal business operations, undermines corporate confidence, and harms a fair global market.
China also asserted its “firm will and abundant means” to take necessary measures in accordance with its Counter-Espionage Law and other regulations to “severely punish illegal and criminal acts” and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. These developments come just weeks before a planned visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington, where AI and advanced technologies are expected to be key topics of discussion.