This happened early this year, by my count earlier than 3-4 months ago as reported in the press. Although press coverage comes just now, it wasn't much of a secret in the community. I heard about it from a dozen different sources by Memorial Day.
The administration chooses to unveil the story now as Bush meets up with Hu Jintao in order to make a point.
Fine and dandy, but think about this: so long as the Pentagon entertains the notion of China as threat and secretly plans to that end, justifying weapons systems on that basis as well, we have to expect China to actively spy on us. Hell, Israel does so routinely and quite effectively, so why expect less from China?
As for the "stunning revelation" of the hack, don't be naive enough to believe this is a one-sided game. We just don't brag about our attempts--successful or no.
And no, it's not weird for us to do so. You pay the military and intell community to do stuff like that.
But please, don't be shocked--I say shocked!-- to discover there's spying going on in this department!
Rick: How can you close me up? On what grounds?
Captain Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!
[a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Captain Renault: [sotto voce] Oh, thank you very much.
[aloud]
Captain Renault: Everybody out at once!
As for the more general problem of economic espionage, remember China's just acting its age, much like we did for decades on end during our rise.
Bad? Sure, but so are my teenagers.
I'm just arguing for perspective, so as to avoid simplistic manipulation.
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