LONDON Accuses China of Cyber Attacks
In a bold move, the UK government has officially pointed fingers at China for orchestrating “malicious” cyber campaigns targeting MPs and the Electoral Commission.
Deputy PM Oliver Dowden didn’t mince words as he accused two individuals and a company of cyber-attacks aimed at accessing sensitive information of MPs critical of Beijing and potentially compromising data of up to 40 million voters.
The Chinese embassy in the UK swiftly dismissed these allegations as “completely unfounded” and labeled them as “malicious slander.”
Sanctions Imposed
The UK wasted no time in responding with sanctions against Chinese nationals Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, along with the company Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd. The British government alleges that the company is affiliated with the China state-backed cyber espionage group APT31.
These sanctions will freeze assets and impose travel restrictions on the accused individuals and company, preventing them from operating within UK jurisdiction.
Protecting Democratic Values
Deputy PM Dowden emphasized that the UK will not tolerate any form of malicious cyber activity, stating that safeguarding the democratic system and values is a top priority for the government.
The US has also joined the fray by announcing criminal charges against the same two Chinese nationals in New York, further escalating the situation.
Global Fallout
Authorities in New Zealand have raised similar concerns, accusing China of targeting their parliamentary network in 2021. Despite this, New Zealand has opted not to impose sanctions, citing other priorities on their legislative agenda.
The cyber attack on the UK Electoral Commission, one of the most significant in British history, raised alarms as databases and sensitive emails were compromised. However, Dowden reassured that the security of elections remained intact.
Call for Action
MPs targeted in the attacks are demanding a stronger response from the UK, urging the government to designate China as a threat. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith called for more sanctions against Chinese government actors and emphasized the need to defend human rights and the rules-based system internationally.
The ongoing tensions between the UK and China underscore a shift in diplomatic relations, with the UK taking a firm stance against cyber espionage and interference in parliamentary affairs.
Labour has pledged support to counter state actors attempting to undermine the electoral process, signaling a united front in addressing foreign interference.
Securing Democracy
The Defending Democracy taskforce has played a crucial role in identifying China-linked entities behind cyber operations, showcasing the UK’s commitment to safeguarding its democratic institutions.
As the diplomatic tension between the UK and China escalates, the fallout from these cyber attacks serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threat landscape in the digital age.
