China Invites U.S. to Cooperate on 'Internet Security'

China is extending an invitation to the United States to participate in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and "Internet security" initiatives, the state-run news agency Xinhua reported late Monday.

The comments were reportedly made by Chinese Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun to FBI Director James Comey during a meeting in Beijing this week. "China ... is willing to deepen cooperation with the United States on the basis of laws in the field of cybersecurity and the fight against terrorism," Shengkun said, adding that China would like to "deepen law enforcement and security cooperation in the fields of Internet security and counter-terrorism."

Though some observers interpreted Shengkun's emphasis to be on cybersecurity more broadly, recent history would suggest that interpretation is off the mark. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said China is still targeting American companies in hacking schemes geared towards the theft of commercial secrets, in spite of an agreement last year that the practice would end.

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