Dutch IT Channel – After the US, UK and the Netherlands, New Zealand also accuses China of espionage

Both the UK and US accused China last week of carrying out a cyber campaign against their countries that lasted more than a decade. Western government officials, journalists, companies and activists fighting for democracy, among others, were reportedly targeted. However, also consider the British Electoral Commission. Four British parliamentarians – all critics of China – are also said to have been the target of a Chinese cyber attack.

There are also allegations from the Netherlands; For example, last week in Beijing, Prime Minister Mark Rutte discussed a recent espionage incident with Chinese President Xi Jinping, for which the Netherlands holds the Chinese government responsible.

‘Unacceptable’

Now New Zealand Defense Minister Collins is also accusing the Chinese government of cyber espionage, the Associated Press reports. For example, links have reportedly been found between an entity linked to China and malicious cyber activities aimed at the New Zealand government. Collins calls the use of espionage to influence democratic institutions and processes unacceptable.

The espionage came to light following an investigation following a cyber intrusion at the Parliamentary Counsel Office and Parliamentary Service in 2021. This intrusion has been attributed to a group of Chinese state hackers known as ‘APT40’.