China denies hacking German official websites

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Beijing on Monday that his country opposes hackers and will closely cooperate with Germany to crack down on such activities.

Wen was reacting to reports about Chinese hackers attacking the 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 the hacking of German government websites.

"China has always 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," said spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry Jiang Yu.

Meanwhile, Wen held an hour-long meeting with Merkel in Beijing on Monday during which they agreed to list the protection of intellectual property rights as an important topic for bilateral strategic dialogue.

"IPR protection is not only an 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, who is on her second official visit to China, called for specific measures to fulfill IPR policies. During her four-day visit, Merkel will also meet Chinese President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo.