BEIJING - Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday that overseas attacks on Chinese computers have harmed both the country's economic development and the lives of ordinary citizens.

More than 14.2 million computers were overseas-controlled last year, she said, adding that some of the computers belonged to ordinary Internet users, while others were being used by companies in the finance, transportation and energy sectors.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to cyber security and is opposed to any form of cyber attack, the spokeswoman stressed, noting that Chinese law and regulations expressly prohibit such activity.

China hopes countries that have irresponsibly accused China of conducting cyber attacks will cease to do so, Hua said, calling for pragmatic action to promote mutual trust and cooperation in order to safeguard cyberspace.