BEIJING, April 27 : China on Monday strongly condemned Italy’s decision to extradite a Chinese national to the United States, calling the move unjustified and politically motivated.
A spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said Beijing “strongly deplores and firmly opposes” the extradition, alleging that the case was fabricated by the US and violated the individual’s lawful rights.
The spokesperson further claimed the charges were aimed at “vilifying China” and urged Italy to “respect facts and law, immediately correct its mistake, and stop responding to US demands.”
The reaction follows Italy’s decision to extradite a Chinese man wanted by US authorities on hacking-related charges, after a top Italian court earlier this month approved the move. The individual was arrested in Milan, and his lawyer has argued that he is a victim of mistaken identity.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of Justice said the accused, Xu Zewei, 33, was detained in Italy at Washington’s request. He, along with co-defendant Zhang Yu, faces a nine-count indictment in the Southern District of Texas over alleged involvement in a series of cyber intrusions between 2020 and 2021.
According to US authorities, the hacking campaign, linked to the so-called HAFNIUM operations, targeted thousands of computers worldwide, including systems in the United States. Prosecutors allege that Xu acted under the direction of China’s state security apparatus and worked through a Shanghai-based company involved in cyber operations.
US officials said the case underscores Washington’s commitment to pursuing cybercrime suspects globally, with senior Justice Department figures vowing that those responsible for cyberattacks on American institutions will be tracked down and held accountable.
The case has added to ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing over cybersecurity, espionage allegations, and the broader use of legal and diplomatic measures in cross-border disputes. (UNI)
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