Russia, China May Sign Information Security Cooperation Deal on May 8

Russia and China could sign a "milestone" agreement in the field of international information security, with both countries vowing not to carry out cyberattacks against each other.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — A deal between Russia and China on cooperation in the field of international information security could be signed on May 8 in Moscow, Russia's Kommersant newspaper reported Thursday, citing a Kremlin source.

On May 8-10, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Moscow to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the source, quoted by the newspaper, it will be a "milestone" agreement, with both countries vowing not to carry out cyberattacks against each other.

The two countries would also agree to take joint action to counter the use of modern technology to "interfere with countries' domestic affairs," disrupt peace and destabilize the internal political, social and economic situation.

Russia and China intend to establish special channels between law enforcement agencies, exchange data and technology, and cooperate on defense information infrastructure.

Moscow approved the draft information security cooperation deal on Wednesday.

The agreement is expected to meet Russia's interests pertaining to international information security, strengthen Russia-China strategic partnership and boost mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

On Tuesday, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev said Moscow was revising its information security doctrine to reflect the latest trends in geopolitical affairs. According to Patrushev, the move was prompted by the new threats and challenges that have emerged in light of the events of the Arab Spring, the crises in Syria and Iraq, and the situation in Ukraine.