UPDATE: China Defends Internet Policies After Google Allegations

(Adds Jiang's remarks on laws against cyber crimes.)

By Aaron Back

Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

BEIJING -(Dow Jones)- China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu defended the country's Internet policies Thursday, saying it has laws against cyber crimes and the Internet is open in China, after Google Inc. (GOOG) alleged earlier this week it had been the victim of cyber spying.

The government manages the Internet according to the law and its administrative measures governing the Internet are in line with international practice, Jiang said at a regular new briefing.

China welcomes foreign companies in its Internet sector, she added

Asked if the government is bound by the law on cyber crimes, she declined comment, referring the question to the relevant authorities.

Google said earlier this week it may leave China after the company had discovered major cyber attacks against it that it believed originated from the country.

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said Google's allegations about cyber spying "raise very serious concerns and questions," and added "we look to the Chinese government for an explanation."

-By Aaron Back, Dow Jones Newswires, 8610-8400-7799, aaron.back@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 14, 2010 03:02 ET (08:02 GMT)

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