The US and UK have announced significant measures against hackers supported by the Chinese government, accusing them of carrying out extensive cyber attacks targeting entities in Washington and Westminster.
The US Department of Justice indicted seven Chinese nationals, alleging their affiliation with APT31, a Wuhan-based hacking group operated by China’s main spy service. The indictment claims the group sent over 10,000 malicious emails with hidden tracking links to officials across the federal government, as well as businesses deemed of national economic importance and Capitol Hill.
The UK also pointed fingers at Chinese hackers, linking them to two malicious cyber campaigns targeting Britain’s elections watchdog and parliamentarians. Notable figures such as Iain Duncan Smith, a former leader of the Conservative Party, were among the targets.
These actions come amidst escalating geopolitical and trade tensions with Beijing, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak describing China’s assertiveness as an “epoch-defining challenge.”
The US indictment follows President Joe Biden’s executive order aimed at defending US ports from Chinese cyber attacks. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the US’s vigilant stance against China’s cyber threats.
In response, China’s embassy in Washington firmly denied the accusations, labeling them as groundless and emphasizing China’s opposition to cyber attacks. They also accused the US of using alliances such as the Five Eyes to spread false information about Chinese cyber threats and impose unreasonable sanctions.
Additionally, New Zealand revealed it had been the target of a Chinese state-sponsored attack on its parliament in 2021. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil joined in condemning the targeting of democratic institutions by Chinese state-backed actors, calling for an end to such behavior.
The UK announced sanctions against two members of APT31 and a blacklisting of Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology, associated with APT31 and allegedly operating on behalf of China’s Ministry of State Security.
Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron expressed condemnation, labeling the targeting of democratic institutions by China-affiliated organizations as unacceptable. He confirmed raising the issue directly with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
However, some UK Conservative MPs criticized the government’s response, perceiving it as inadequate. Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick and Duncan Smith expressed disappointment, highlighting the need for a stronger stance against China’s aggression towards the UK.
In summary, the coordinated efforts of the US and UK, along with condemnations from Australia and New Zealand, underscore the global concern over cyber threats originating from China and the escalating tensions between Beijing and Western nations.
