No cyber sanctions before China's Xi visit - White House

September 23, 2015 8:57 AM

"I don't want to suggest a particular formal agreement," said Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser to Obama.

No cyber sanctions before China's Xi visit - White House

The White House said on Tuesday that it does not expect to level economic sanctions against China for cyber espionage ahead of a state visit this week by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Recommended articles

world Thousands protest for US troops to leave Niger, days after Russians' arrival

But the issue of cyber spying will be a key part of discussions between President Barack Obama and Xi, White House officials told reporters on a conference call.

"I don't want to suggest a particular formal agreement," said Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser to Obama.

"What I do want to emphasize is that the area where we would like to reach a greater understanding with the Chinese is on the protection of intellectual property and the ability of businesses to operate without concern of cyber theft," Rhodes said.