China agrees to cooperate with US to prevent further cyberattacks

China has signalled it is willing to open a “constructive dialogue” to help stem the wave of cyberattacks allegedly coming from within its borders. Speaking to the Associated Press, a foreign ministry spokesperson condemned the recent attacks, adding that “cyberspace needs rules and cooperation, not wars. China is willing to have constructive dialogue and cooperation with the global community, including the United States.”

Today’s statement appears to be in direct response to strong comments from US government officials yesterday that called for a crackdown on cyberattacks originating from China. White House national security adviser Tom Donilon said that China “should take serious steps to investigate and put a stop to these activities,” and asked the country to “engage with us in a constructive direct dialogue to establish acceptable norms of behavior in cyberspace.”

Both the US and China have been working to resolve their issues for some time. Last May, after the Chinese Defense Ministry visited Washington, the then-US Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, said that it was “essential for our two nations to communicate effectively on a range of very challenging issues.. our goal is to establish a constructive relationship for the future.” That goal certainly looks a little closer today.