China Fires Back at US Over AI-Powered Cyber Reconnaissance Campaign

(MENAFN) Beijing fired back at Washington on Monday over reports that the US Department of Defense is actively pursuing partnerships with major technology companies to build AI-driven cyber capabilities — with Chinese officials warning the move could have devastating global consequences.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning acknowledged that Beijing had taken note of reports describing Pentagon discussions with leading tech firms over the development of AI-powered tools allegedly designed to conduct automated reconnaissance of Chinese power grids, utilities, and other sensitive networks — mapping vulnerabilities that could be exploited in a future conflict.

"The United States has long been the leading source of instability in cyberspace," Mao said.

The spokeswoman went further, charging that Washington had already been carrying out cyberattacks and "prepositioning" operations against China's critical infrastructure well before AI technology even entered the equation. She accused the US government of conscripting major technology firms into the service of its geopolitical and military ambitions, cautioning that such collaboration could have "grave global impact."

Mao added that Beijing had raised its concerns with Washington through multiple diplomatic channels and made clear that China would take all steps it deemed necessary to defend its cybersecurity interests.

The war of words is the latest flashpoint in a long-running cyber standoff between the two superpowers. The US has previously alleged that Chinese state-linked hackers systematically targeted American government agencies, private companies, and critical infrastructure. Beijing has consistently rejected those accusations — while simultaneously pointing the finger back at Washington for orchestrating sweeping cyber operations on a global scale.

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