Former U.S. President Donald Trump stirred international attention during a recent interview on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, where he appeared to tacitly acknowledge U.S. cyber activities targeting China. When host Maria Bartiromo accused China of hacking U.S. telecom networks and intellectual property theft, Trump responded: 'You don't think we do that?'—a remark that left the host momentarily speechless.
The exchange highlights escalating tensions in U.S.-China relations, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Analysts suggest such rhetoric could further complicate diplomatic efforts, with implications for global trade and technology sectors. "Public admissions of cyber operations are rare," said cybersecurity expert Li Wei. "This raises questions about transparency and accountability in international norms."
Business leaders and investors are closely monitoring the fallout, as accusations of cyber espionage often correlate with market volatility. Meanwhile, academics emphasize the need for multilateral frameworks to address digital security challenges in Asia and beyond.
