China’s premier denies hacking claim

China’s premier denies hacking claim

BEIJING

New Chinese Premier Li Keqiang dismissed hacking accusations against China as “groundless” Sunday and said his government was committed to strong ties with Washington.

Referring to allegations that China’s military was behind massive hacking attacks on U.S. entities, Li reiterated Beijing’s statements that China is a major target of global hackers and opposes all such criminal activity.

“I think we should not make groundless accusations against each other but spend more time doing practical things that will contribute to cybersecurity,” Li said in his first news conference in his new role.

Dem: House budget adds to Romney plan

WASHINGTON

The top Democrat on the House Budget Committee says the Republicans’ proposed budget is “the Romney plan on steroids.”

Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland on Sunday said the GOP budget outline is an augmented version of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s proposals.

Romney’s running mate, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, offered the GOP plan last week.

It’s largely a symbolic gesture unlikely to pass the Senate, where Democrats have the majority.

Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California says the Ryan proposal balances the budget and would help the economy to grow.

The No. 3 Republican in the House says the longer Congress waits to pass a budget, the more debt adds up.

Both lawmakers spoke to NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Associated Press