China has condemned Italy’s decision to extradite Xu Zewei, a Chinese national wanted by the United States on hacking charges, calling the case politically motivated and urging Rome to reverse the move.
In a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese government said it “strongly deplores and firmly opposes” the Italian government’s decision. The ministry accused the United States of fabricating the case and said the charges were intended to vilify China.
Xu was arrested in Milan on July 3, 2025, at Washington’s request. Italy extradited Xu to the United States after a top Italian court cleared the move earlier this month.
The U.S. Department of Justice has accused Xu of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and other hacking-related offenses tied to alleged cyber activity between February 2020 and June 2021. Prosecutors allege the activity included efforts to steal COVID-19 medical research from U.S.-based universities, immunologists and virologists.
U.S. prosecutors also allege Xu was involved in a cyber-espionage operation connected to HAFNIUM, a group accused of exploiting Microsoft Exchange Server vulnerabilities and compromising computer systems worldwide. Xu’s lawyer has told Reuters that he is a victim of mistaken identity.
China rejected the case as politically driven, saying it violates Xu’s personal freedom, lawful rights and interests. Beijing called the charges “unwarranted” and urged Italy to respect the law and facts.
The ministry called on Italy to revoke what it described as a wrongful decision and stop responding to U.S. demands.
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