China has firmly denied President Donald Trump’s allegations that it engaged in a large-scale operation to steal American voter data during the 2020 U.S. election. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the accusations as lacking any factual basis and aimed at vilifying China.
During a speech at the White House, Trump alleged that China illicitly obtained 220 million files containing sensitive voter information to influence the election, labeling it as the largest compromise of election data history. These claims come despite a 2021 U.S. intelligence assessment stating there was no evidence that China impacted the 2020 election outcome.
Lin reinforced China’s position, stating that the country has no interest in interfering in American elections and has never engaged in such actions. In a pointed response, Lin questioned who has historically interfered in other nations’ internal matters, conducted widespread surveillance, and compromised cybersecurity globally.
Lin urged the U.S. to reconsider its behavior, stop unwarranted accusations against China, and avoid using China as a political issue during elections. He emphasized the importance of the U.S. conducting itself in a way that promotes stable relations with China.
These developments arise at a pivotal moment in U.S.-China relations, which have been strained by various issues including military tensions in the Pacific and a trade war intensified by Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. The recent talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at resetting the strained relationship, though substantial concessions were not achieved. Trump has extended an invitation to Xi to visit Washington in September.
Attempts to get comments from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the White House following these statements yielded no immediate responses. This story is still unfolding, with further updates expected.