US panel urges sanctions against China for cyberspying
US-China Economic and Security Review Commission report alleges large-scale cyberespionage by Beijing and recommends action including sanctions and visa restrictions
A US panel on Wednesday called for tougher action against China, including possible sanctions to stop cyberspying, warning that Beijing has yet to be persuaded to end rampant espionage.
In an annual report to Congress, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission charged that Beijing “is directing and executing a large-scale cyberespionage campaign” that has penetrated the US government and private industry.
“There is an urgent need for Washington to take action to prompt Beijing to change its approach to cyberspace and deter future Chinese cybertheft,” said the commission, which was set up by Congress to make policy recommendations.
The report listed proposals aimed at “changing the cost-benefit calculus” for China including banning the import of the manufacturing giant’s goods that are determined to include technologies stolen from the United States.
Other possibilities include restricting access to US banks for companies deemed to have used stolen technologies or banning travel to the United States for people involved in hacking.
The commission did not endorse specific steps but said the potential measures “would be more effective if used in combination".