The UK government has officially accused China of conducting “malicious” cyber campaigns against MPs and the Electoral Commission. Deputy PM Oliver Dowden revealed that two individuals and a company have been sanctioned for attempting to access information of parliamentarians critical of Beijing. The individuals, Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, along with the Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd, are believed to be associated with the Advanced Persistent Threat Group 31 (APT31), a cyber espionage group with ties to the Chinese government.
The UK sanctions include freezing assets and imposing travel bans on the accused individuals and company. Mr. Dowden emphasized the importance of protecting the UK’s democratic system and values, stating that malicious cyber activity will not be tolerated. The Chinese ambassador has been summoned to address China’s involvement in the cyber attacks.
The cyber attack on the Electoral Commission between August 2021 and October 2022 was described as one of the most significant in British history, with databases and sensitive emails being accessed. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and other politicians faced harassment and hacking attempts linked to foreign influence.
The US has also taken action against the same two Chinese nationals, charging them with criminal offenses related to cyber intrusions. Other countries, including New Zealand and Australia, have accused China of similar cyber attacks on their parliamentary networks.
Sir Iain has called for further sanctions against Chinese government actors and emphasized the need to defend democratic values against foreign interference. The UK’s response to Chinese cyber espionage marks an escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The government’s Defending Democracy taskforce played a crucial role in identifying Chinese-affiliated organizations behind the cyber operations. The UK’s decision to sanction these groups reflects increasing concerns over Chinese espionage and interference in parliamentary affairs.
China has denied accusations of wrongdoing and stated that it opposes all forms of malicious cyber activity. The UK government remains committed to protecting its democracy and values against external threats.
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