China comments on US intelligence leak

China gave its first official comments on the recent revelations of US internet surveillance activities, demanding that Washington give the “necessary explanation” to the international community, Reuters reported, citing a daily briefing by China’s Foreign Ministry. After whistleblower Edward Snowden leaked information on the US National Security Agency’s cyber espionage, Beijing has been wary of damaging already strained ties with Washington. Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying denied that Snowden was a spy for China, saying it was “sheer nonsense.” Snowden is reportedly staying in Hong Kong, giving rise to speculation on China’s role in his fate.