China's Premier Rejects US Hacking Accusations

China's President Xi Jinping shakes hands with China's newly elected Premier Li Keqiang (L) as other delegates clap during the fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, March 15, 2013.

New Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has rejected U.S. accusations of hacking and says the two countries should not make groundless accusations against each other and should work together to contribute to cyber security.

Speaking to reporters after the close of the National People's Congress Sunday, Mr. Li said China itself is a major target of computer hacking and does not support such activities.

New U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew is heading to China this week for economic talks that are expected to include cyber-attacks on U.S. companies.

Last month, U.S. Internet security group Mandiant accused the Chinese military of stealing large amounts of data from about 150 U.S. companies and organizations.

Several large U.S. technology companies, including Apple, Facebook, and Twitter, were hacked earlier this year. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post newspapers also say they were attacked by China-based hackers.