U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden said American politicians’ accusations that he is a Chinese spy are a “predictable smear” designed to “distract from the issue of U.S. government misconduct,” according to a South China Morning Post report yesterday.

    In his second batch of public comments since he admitted exposing secret U.S. cyberspying programs, Snowden told readers of a webchat hosted by the Guardian newspaper in Britain to ask themselves: “If I were a Chinese spy, why wouldn’t I have flown directly into Beijing? I could be living in a palace petting a phoenix by now.” Snowden also denied passing information to Beijing. He said he has had no contact with the Chinese Government and said he only works with journalists.

    Asked what he would say to others who could leak information about the U.S. intelligence apparatus and its effect on civil liberties, Snowden said: “This country is worth dying for.”

    Meanwhile, Ecuador said Monday that it would consider granting asylum to Snowden. (Xinhua)

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