Janet Yellen Concerns Cyber Activity Is "Dangerous" By China

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (photo: x @SecYellen)

JAKARTA The United States Minister of Finance, Janet Yellen, held a virtual meeting on Monday January 6, with Chinese Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng. During the meeting, Yellen expressed serious concerns about "dangerous" cyber activity carried out by actors allegedly sponsored by China's state, according to a statement from the US Treasury Department.

The US Treasury Department previously reported that a number of their computers had been hacked by Chinese hackers in a major incident that occurred following security breaches at contractor BeyondTrust, a cybersecurity services provider company.

Several congressional assistants have revealed that no schedule has yet been set for a briefing related to the incident. This is one of a series of cyberattacks against US government agencies that continue to be linked to actors suspected of being sponsored by the Chinese government.

The attack comes amid the Joe Biden administration's efforts to improve communications with China and manage competitive relationships through the formation of economic and financial work groups.

"Minister of Finance Yellen expressed serious concerns over the malicious cyber activity carried out by actors sponsored by the government of the People's Republic of China (RRC) and its impact on bilateral relations," the US Treasury statement said. The meeting was described as an open, in-depth, and constructive discussion.

In addition to cyber issues, the two officials also discussed economic developments in each country and reviewed the progress made in working group meetings. Yellen again highlighted his concerns about China's non-market practices and industrial policies, including excessive industrial capacity. He stressed that this issue would continue to have a negative impact on bilateral US-China economic relations if not addressed immediately.

Yellen also conveyed a similar message during a meeting with He Lifeng in Beijing last April. During the meeting, Yellen urged China to control overcapacity of the industry before President Joe Biden announced a significant increase in tariffs on electric vehicles, batteries, solar products, and semiconductors made in China.

Yellen also reiterated the "significant consequences" that Chinese companies will face if they provide material support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

Dalam perkembangan lain, Departemen Pertahanan AS telah menambahkan perusahaan teknologi besar China, Tencent, ke dalam daftar perusahaan yang diduga membantu militer China.

In addition, President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20, threatened to impose a high tariff on imports from China of more than 60%, much higher than the tariff imposed on his first term.

With issues constantly heating up, the US-China bilateral relations are expected to face increasingly complex challenges going forward.