According to CBC, Charette confirmed that while the NRC's computers operate outside those of the government of Canada as a whole, the council's IT system has been "isolated" to ensure no other departments are compromised.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird was scheduled to hold a press conference on his visit, but that briefing was abruptly cancelled.
No reason was immediately given, although in an email from Baird's office in response to CBC questions, spokesman Rick Roth said Canada did not cancel any events as they were guests.
The office also said Baird raised this issue with his Chinese counterpart and the two had a "full and frank exchange of views."
"The government takes this issue very seriously and we are addressing it at the highest levels in both Beijing and Ottawa," the statement continued.
For its part, the NRC says in a statement released Tuesday morning that it is now attempting to rebuild its computer infrastructure and this could take as much a year.
The NRC works with private businesses to advance and develop technological innovations through science and research.
