New Zealand recently accused China of engaging in “malicious cyber activity” that targeted its parliament in 2021. The government expressed its concerns about cyber attacks attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government. This accusation came shortly after the U.S. and U.K. made similar claims against China, alleging that Chinese state actors were involved in cyber espionage campaigns targeting democratic institutions and individuals of interest.
The accusations made by New Zealand prompted Australia to join in condemning China’s alleged cyber attacks against U.K. democratic institutions and parliamentarians. While Australia’s electoral systems remained unaffected by the cyber campaigns targeting the U.K., officials expressed concerns about the persistent targeting of democratic processes and institutions. In 2019, Australian intelligence had also linked China to a cyber attack on its national parliament and political parties before a general election.
Despite these accusations, China has vehemently denied any involvement in cyber interference activities. A Chinese ministry spokesperson urged countries to base their claims on evidence rather than resorting to unsubstantiated accusations. Referring to reports of U.K.’s accusations, China emphasized the importance of cooperation and responsible behavior in cyberspace, emphasizing that cybersecurity issues should not be politicized.
In response to the alleged cyber activities, the U.S. took action by announcing sanctions against individuals associated with a group known as “Advanced Persistent Threat 31” (APT31) and a Chinese firm named Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Co. The Treasury Department accused the Chinese firm of serving as a front for multiple malicious cyber operations. Additionally, the Department of Justice indicted seven hackers connected with APT31, charging them with computer intrusion and targeting perceived critics of China, as well as U.S. entities.
The global accusations against China for engaging in cyber attacks have raised significant concerns among countries such as New Zealand, Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. While China continues to deny involvement in such activities, the evidence presented by intelligence agencies and the actions taken by governments suggest a growing tension in the realm of cybersecurity. The need for international cooperation, evidence-based claims, and responsible behavior in cyberspace is crucial to address the evolving threats posed by state-sponsored cyber actors.
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