The US government is exploring various options in order face China more aggressively over cyberspying, according to a report.
Citing unknown officials, the Wall Street Journal reported that options include trade sanctions, diplomatic pressure, indictments of Chinese nationals in US courts and cyber counter measures.
According to the news agency, officials said such a strategy, may not be be imminent, would be the natural culmination of warnings in recent weeks from President Barack Obama and top administration officials.
Officials said the escalation was launched with a secret démarche, or formal diplomatic protest, to the Chinese government in January this year.
Recently, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the US and China have agreed to work together on cyber security after accusing each other of hacking and Internet theft.
Earlier this month, the US-China Business Council has criticised the new cyber security law which was meant to prevent US agencies to buy IT products from Chinese companies over security concerns.
US security firm, Mandiant, reported in early 2013 that a secret military unit in Shanghai is linked to an attack on some American companies’ websites.
However, China rejected claims by Mandiant and said it has been a major victim of cyber attacks, most of which are from the US.
