BEIJING (AP) -- China denied that it has spies working to infiltrate the U.S. government, responding Tuesday to advertisements that the FBI ran in San Francisco newspapers asking readers to provide information about Beijing-sponsored espionage.

The ads appeared in three Chinese-language newspapers this month, the San Francisco Chronicle has reported.

Translated, they read, "We would like to talk to individuals who have information about any foreign intelligence service that would intend to harm our country. We especially welcome anyone who has information about the Chinese (government) or State Security."

China would never do anything to overthrow a foreign government or undermine another's security interests, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular news conference.

"The contents of the advertisements of the United States are totally groundless," Qin said, adding that China wished to express its "indignation and resolute opposition."

Qin also said that a handful of people in the U.S. were attempting to fan fears about China's threat as the country's global influence grows.

"Their unpopular activities will get nowhere," he said.