Trump acknowledges China, Russia spying as he says US does the same

• Trump dismissed concerns about Chinese and Russian espionage against the US, saying Washington also conducts intelligence operations against its rivals.
• Recounting an exchange with officials, Trump said he responded to warnings about Chinese spying by saying: "We're spying on them too."
• He acknowledged that China and Russia were spying on the US but suggested such activities were part of the intelligence practices between major powers.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday in an election rally that the United States also conducts espionage against China and Russia, brushing aside concerns about the two countries spying on Washington during remarks in which he described intelligence-gathering as a reciprocal practice between major powers.

Trump made the comments while recounting an exchange with officials who had raised concerns about Chinese and Russian spying against the US.

"Somebody said, 'China is spying on us, sir.' And I said, 'Yeah, we're spying on them too. Don't worry about it,'" Trump said.

He added that officials had warned him that China and Russia were spying on the United States, responding: "It's true."

Trump's remarks come amid reports of Chinese assistance to Iran during the US-’Israeli’ war, including allegations that Chinese-linked entities provided Tehran with intelligence and satellite imagery that could help it track US military positions and operations.

The allegations have drawn scrutiny over the extent of Beijing's support for Tehran and its potential implications for American forces in the region. China has rejected accusations of providing military assistance to Iran.

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