HELSINKI - The Chinese Embassy in Finland issued a press release on Friday after media reports alleged China had been possibly behind cyber espionage against Finnish foreign ministry.

"Many countries including China are victims of the recent cyber attacks," said the press release, adding that C

hina has consistently sought to promote international cooperation on combating cyber crimes.

The embassy said that China has scrupulously abided by international law and principles of international relations, and "the Chinese government and military authorities have never supported any activities of this kind."

"Any allegation without irrefutable evidence against China is groundless with ulterior motives, and cannot contribute to the enhancement of international cyber security," said the embassy.

It also expressed the hope that "the Finnish side will tackle the issue with due responsibility."

Finnish commercial broadcaster MTV3 reported on Thursday that large-scale spying on IT networks at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been uncovered.

The channel quoted sources as speculating that Russia and China were suspected of responsibility for the espionage, believed to have happened early this year.

The news was soon spread by many other media.

Refusing to name any suspects, Finnish Foreign Minister Errki Tuomioja said late Thursday that an investigation was underway.