BEIJING - A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday slammed US intelligence agency accusations of hacking by Chinese firms, saying China also falls victim to cyber crime.

Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily press briefing when questioned by a reporter on accusations from an unspecified US source that Chinese firms had used hacking to steal commercial secrets.

Hong said China has responded to hacking-related issues on many occasions, and that it is "grossly irresponsible" to allege that China steals information and conducts hacking online without evidence and investigation.

"China also falls victim to hacking," Hong said, noting that cyberspace security is an international issue and China hopes for cooperation with the international community to safeguard online security together.