The head of EADS, Europe's leading aerospace company, never said that industrial spying was a "reality in China," a company spokesman said Thursday.
"We strongly deny the Financial Times' allegation that EADS CEO Louis Gallois declared spying to be a 'reality in China'. This is complete nonsense as he never said that," said Pierre Bayle, head of corporate communications for EADS.
"Mr. Gallois only pointed to the fact that industrial espionage generally is a matter of concern. He did not single out any specific countries. So, to suggest otherwise is totally wrong," Bayle said.
The Financial Times reported Thursday that "industrial spying is 'reality' in China." The newspaper said Gallois made the remarks when commenting on a spying case involving Renault, the French automaker.
Renault last week announced the suspension of three senior executives for allegedly leaking company secrets to foreign organizations and intends to sue them in court.
Renault Chief Operating Officer Patrick Pelata said the case seemed to be the "work of professionals" without singling out any specific countries.
Some French media referred to China being behind the case even though spokesmen for both Renault and the French government have denied links with China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Tuesday that reports connecting China to the Renault spy case were "totally baseless and irresponsible" and "China can not accept that."
