China concurred with the position of the United States on the need for nations to secure cyberspace.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hong Lei stated that the U.S. goal is essential to spur socio-economic development and the wellness of mankind.

Keeping the mutually agreed principles in mind, Hong says China is committed to work with the international community in establishing an open and cooperative cyberspace, one that is secure and peaceful.

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Hong was asked to comment on U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's statement at the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters in Fort Meade in Maryland over the weekend.

Secretary Hagel said that the United States had no intentions of "militarizing" the internet. Hagel also said that the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD), "will maintain an approach of restraint to any cyber operations outside the U.S. government networks. We are urging other nations to do the same."

It is the goal of the U.S. to pursue the promotion of the internet as an environment conducive to prosperity and freedom.

Hong responded to Hagel's statement with hopes that the United States can implement sound and concrete policies and actions, beyond the issuance of statements.

The U.S. Secretary of Defence will commence his tour of Asia in the first week of April. Hagel will visit Beijing as part of his tour.

China sees his statements as a means to reduce tension between the two countries and open a forum to discuss cyber-espionage issues after a newspaper report that the National Security Agency was using Chinese telecommunications company Huawei to spy on linkages between the company and the People's Liberation Army.

In another issue, U.S. regulators are giving Huawei a difficult time doing business in the U.S. over concerns that the Huawei equipment for communications will be used to spy on public and private interests.

Hagel is expected to discuss with his Chinese counterparts various issues affecting the region and relations between Beijing and Washington.