• by Fern Siegel , July 14, 2011

Cyber-security talks between the United States and China have exposed a wide gap over almost everything virtual: policing computer networks, moderating cyber warfare, even controlling information.

Many of the digital attacks and cyber-snooping on U.S. technology firms and government agencies including the Pentagon, are believed to have been originated in or routed through China, which makes Sino-American talks difficult.

While Beijing denies the charges, U.S. officials and experts suspect China's hand was behind the hacking and phishing of Google Inc. this year and last, as well as intrusions into Pentagon networks. Analysts say China's People's Liberation Army believes its ability to attack U.S. cyber infrastructure compensates for its conventional military weakness compared to the United States.