WASHINGTON, July 9 (UPI) -- A bilateral cybersecurity meeting with Chinese officials set the tone for further cooperation, a U.S. State Department spokeswoman said.
The U.S. State Department said a working group between U.S. and Chinese diplomats convened Monday in Washington.
A May report from the U.S. Defense Department accused China of using computer-based espionage against U.S. interests. China said the allegations were baseless, noting both sides enjoy an open military relationship.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki confirmed the meeting during her regular press briefing Monday afternoon.
"We're hopeful [the meeting] will enable the two sides to share perspectives on international laws and norms in cyberspace, raise concerns as needed, develop processes for future cooperation, and set the tone for future constructive and cooperative bilateral dialogues," she said.
The cyber-security meeting is part of a broader bilateral strategic and economic dialogue. China's official Xinhua News Agency said mutual trust is needed as the U.S. military increases its presence in the Asia-Pacific region as defense obligations in the Middle East wind down.
"Progress is hoped to be made on some pressing issues including trade and investment, cyber security, climate change and military-to-military exchanges," a Tuesday commentary from Xinhua said.
