BEIJING: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday told visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel that his country opposes hackers and will closely cooperate with Germany to crack down on such activities.
Wen's comments came in response to a reporter's question concerning reports that Chinese hackers attacked computer networks of the German government.
"The Chinese government attaches great importance to the hacker attack on the German government networks," Wen said, adding China will take "determined" and "forceful" measures to combat hacker activities.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry had earlier denied China had any role in hacking of German government websites.
"China has always opposed to and forbidden all sorts of criminal activities that could break down computer networks, including hacker activities. Hacker attack is an international issue and China was also a victim," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said.
Meanwhile, Wen held an hour-long meeting with Merkel here on Monday during which they agreed to list the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) as an important topic for bilateral strategic dialogue.
"IPR protection is not only a issue between countries, but also a requirement for China itself in its development," Wen said. He vowed to take all efficient measures, especially legal measures, to punish IPR violators.
Merkel said she believes China has set up sound legal base for IPR protection, while calling on specific measures to fulfill the policies.
Merkel arrived in Beijing last night, kicking off her second official visit to China as German chancellor. During her 4-day visit, Merkel will also meet Chinese President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo.
