Beijing 'firmly' opposes arrest of Chinese citizen in Italy at US request

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Tuesday voiced "firm" opposition to the arrest of a Chinese citizen in Italy over alleged cyberespionage targeting American institutions, universities, and researchers.

Beijing “firmly opposes the induced arrests of Chinese citizens” as well as “intentional attacks against China under the excuse of cyber issues,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference in Beijing.

“China is a firm defender of cybersecurity and the biggest victim of hacking attacks,” Mao added.

Beijing also called on Rome to "take concrete actions to safeguard lawful rights and interests of the Chinese citizens."

Xu Zewei, 33, was arrested Thursday in Milan on an international arrest warrant issued by US authorities, Italian officials confirmed Monday.

Xu, a Chinese citizen, is accused by the US of being part of a Chinese government-linked hacking group that allegedly carried out cyberespionage operations targeting American universities and researchers during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) accuses Xu of participating in a "large-scale cyber intrusion campaign."