Chinese defense ministry denies accusations of stealing information

China denies the accusations of stealing information about newest US armaments, spokesman for the Chinese Defense Ministry Geng Yansheng told a news conference here on Thursday. "We believe there are errors in US statements. Firstly, they underestimate the capability of the Pentagon's information security systems, and secondly, the intellectual capability of the Chinese people /in developing their own armaments/," the diplomat said. "China is fully capable of developing weapons that are necessary in ensuring security of the state," Geng Yansheng stated, noting China's success in building the first aircraft carrier, new fighters, large military transport planes and its own satellite navigation system. Earlier, US mass media carried extracts from a report of the research council under the US department of defense saying Chinese hackers had gained access to information on a number of US defense system projects, including missile defense.