China accused a CIA deputy of using "bandit logic" in relation to economic espionage practiced by Beijing. The accusation arose at a time of diplomatic tension between the two countries, just days before an important summit between the Chinese and American leaders.
The episode was strongly criticized by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, which reacted to the allegations of economic espionage presented by the American side. The language used by China to describe the position of the United States reflected the deterioration of bilateral relations.
The summit between the President of China, Xi Jinping, and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, was scheduled for the end of that month. The meeting took place in a context of growing trade and political tensions between the two powers.
