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              Hagel Gives Blunt Warning to China on Cyber Attacks

   The U.S. defense secretary is using an annual security forum in
   Singapore to publicly accuse China`s government of carrying out cyber
   attacks on U.S. targets.
   Chuck Hagel`s comments Saturday at the Shangri-La Security Dialogue
   suggest Washington will continue to step up pressure on Beijing to deal
   with cyber attacks, which have become an irritant in U.S.-China
   relations.
   "The United States has expressed our concern about the growing threat
   of cyber intrusions, some of which appear to be tied to the Chinese
   government and military."
   Hagel said the U.S. is determined to work with China and other nations
   to "establish international norms of responsible behavior in
   cyberspace." He has said he plans to raise the issue with Chinese
   delegates on the sidelines of the conference.
   Recent U.S. government and media reports say Chinese computer hackers
   have stolen data from dozens of Pentagon weapons programs and other
   defense technologies. China denies the allegations, but has not
   responded to the latest statement by Hagel.
   The comments come just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping meets
   with U.S. President Barack Obama in California, where officials say
   cyber attacks will also be discussed.
   While Hagel on Saturday noted that the U.S. has differences with China,
   he said Washington looks forward to closer cooperation with Beijing,
   saying it is important for "these differences to be addressed on the
   basis of a continuous and respectful dialogue."
   Many in China are worried the U.S. is trying to contain Beijing`s
   rising economic power. Of particular concern is Washington`s strategic
   and military rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific.
   Addressing the so-called "Asia pivot," Hagel said the U.S. military
   will devote more air power, ground troops and weaponry to the region as
   it moves ahead with the strategy. He said Washington will be undeterred
   by budget restrictions.
   "For the region, this means I can assure you that coming out of this
   review, the United States will continue to implement the rebalance and
   prioritize our posture, activities and investments in Asia-Pacific."
   As part of the pivot, he said the U.S. Air Force will allocate 60
   percent of its overseas assets to the Asia-Pacific. The comments
   expanded on those by his predecessor Leon Panetta, who told the summit
   last year that the Navy will send 60 percent of its forces to the
   region by 2020.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/hagel-gives-blunt-warning-to-china-on-cyber-attacks/1673178.html