US biggest 'safe haven for hackers': spokesperson

Chinese spokesperson Hua Chunying asked for evidence that shows that the data collected by the TikTok and Wechat applications went right to the Chinese military and the Communist Party of China. She called America vulnerable as it is scared of using social media that young people use to share entertainment videos.

Beijing:The infamous PRISM program has revealed that the United States is the world's biggest safe haven for hackers perpetrating indiscriminate and illegal cyber espionage and surveillance throughout the world, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said.

White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has threatened tough actions against TikTok and Wechat applications, claiming data would "go right to the Chinese military and the Communist Party of China (CPC)".

In response, spokesperson Hua Chunying on Monday asked if Navarro was speaking this time as a White House official or as 'Ron Vara', according to the media report.

"He said all of the data went right to the Chinese military and the CPC. I don't know where the evidence is, and could he show it to the public? If not, it is another lie on Navarro's list of outrageous lies," she said.

She added the United States prided itself on owning strong values, then why is it so scared of social media that young people use to share entertainment videos, and why a strong America is so vulnerable.

"I think it's a question worth pondering for US officials like Navarro, and hope they could talk to US youths to avoid becoming a laughing stock," Hua said.

(With inputs from IANS)