China denies using stolen US copter technology

China's Defense Ministry is denying it used stolen U.S. technology in developing a modern military attack helicopter. AP reported. A statement posted on the ministry's website Thursday called such allegations "severe deviations" from facts. A division of United Technologies Corp. pleaded guilty in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in June to crimes related to the illegal export of software that U.S. officials said was used by China to develop the helicopter. The United States has barred the export of defense articles to China since 1989. The ministry said it relied solely on homegrown know-how in developing and manufacturing the helicopter, including its engine.