China to start cyber security vetting on computer systems

China will begin checking computer systems used in government departments to protect "sensitive data". The state internet information office announced the measures amidst rows of cyberspying between China and the United States.

New checks will be the norm for computer systems used by government departments and businesses here in China. According to the State internet Information office, a handful of foreign governments and businesses have taken advantage of their technological monopolies, collecting sensitive data on a large scale from the Chinese government, businesses and institutions.

"In recent years, Chinese government departments, institutions, businesses, university and key telecom networks have been intruded into and spied on. The Snowden incident last year have given a warning to countries all over the world. It's certainly true that without cyber security there would be no national security." State Internet Information Office spokesman Jiang Jun said.

The office says it's a measure long overdue, and comes at time when fingers are pointed at China with groundless accusation.

China finds these charges baseless and provocative as the United States holds a track record of cyber spying, the most conspicuous case shown by the Snowden incident.

"It's really amazing to see that some people still believe they have the moral high ground and credibility to accuse others." Chinese Ambassador To the US Cui Tiankai said.

This particular incident won't likely be the last spat of cyber espionage between the two countries. Even corporates have been caught in the fray. Just last November, Chinese telecoms giant Huawei decided to pull out of the US market amidst claims of spying. A spokesperson for the State Internet Information Office said that China may initiate countermeasures if the U.S. keeps up its cyber spying activities.