Robert Hormats, US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth speaks at the 6th US-China Internet Industry forum in Beijing, China, Tuesday. Photo: AP

Hacking that originates inside China is undermining China’s relationship with the United States and harming Beijing's long-term interests, said Robert Hormats, US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth on Tuesday. In his address at an internet technology conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Hormats said that cyber intrusions originating from China that result in the theft of sensitive information have reached very high levels, adding to existing problems with the lack of protection for intellectual property rights between the two countries. Hormats called on China, in its own long-term interest, to take firm action against hacking. US President Barack Obama’s administration has said this problem threatens US national security and will be discussed in highest-level talks with China.