September 29, 2015
The new cybersecurity agreement signed by U. S. President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last week marks a significant first step for both governments to join forces in clamping down on commercial espionage in the cyberspace, analysts say. But many remain skeptical if concrete actions will follow.
President Obama told a joint news conference on Friday that both countries had “affirmed the principle that governments don’t engage in cyber espionage for commercial gain against companies” while President Xi stressed such cooperation would be mutually beneficial.
Both nations agreed to investigate online malicious activity toward one another that take place within their respective borders “in a manner consistent with their respective national laws and relevant international obligations.” The investigating nation will keep the victim nation updated “as appropriate” during such processes while the victim country won’t be involved in any of the investigations, according to the fact sheet from the White House.