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Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 22:18 IST
Donald Trump says he and Xi Jinping traded accusations over cyberattacks, openly acknowledging US China espionage tensions after their Beijing summit on trade, AI and Taiwan.
US President Donald Trump. (AP file photo)
US President Donald Trump has said cyberattacks were discussed during his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming both countries accused each other of conducting espionage operations.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether he confronted Xi about alleged Chinese cyberattacks targeting the United States.
“I did," Trump responded, before adding that Xi raised similar allegations against Washington.
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“And he talked about attacks we did in China. You know, what they do, we do too. We spy like hell on them too," Trump said.
Trump further claimed he told Xi: “We do a lot of stuff to you that you don’t know about."
Q: Did you talk to Xi about the cyber attacks that he’s done in the United States?TRUMP: I did. And he talked about attacks we did in China. You know, what they do, we do too. We spy like hell on them too. I told him, ‘we do a lot of stuff to you that that you don’t know… pic.twitter.com/rAgyep6Rfh
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 15, 2026
The comments offered a rare public acknowledgment by a sitting US president about espionage activities between Washington and Beijing, although Trump did not provide details or evidence regarding specific cyber operations.
Cybersecurity Long A Source Of US-China Tension
Cyber espionage has been a major point of friction between the United States and China for years.
Washington has repeatedly accused Beijing-linked groups of:
- Hacking government systems
- Stealing intellectual property
- Targeting critical infrastructure
- Conducting cyber espionage against businesses and institutions
China has consistently denied the allegations and has, in turn, accused the US of carrying out extensive cyber surveillance and hacking operations.
Trump-Xi Talks Covered Multiple Sensitive Issues
The remarks come after Trump and Xi held a high-profile summit in Beijing focused on trade, artificial intelligence, energy, Taiwan and broader geopolitical tensions.
Despite expectations, Trump later said tariffs were not discussed during the meeting.
The leaders reportedly sought to stabilise relations between the world’s two largest economies amid disputes over technology, security and global influence.
Trump’s latest comments are likely to draw attention because of their unusually direct acknowledgment of intelligence gathering between rival powers.
Neither the White House nor Chinese officials immediately issued further clarification on the cyber discussion mentioned by Trump.
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News world 'We Spy Like Hell Too': Trump When Asked About Chinese Cyberattacks On US
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