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China Slams UK Over Cybersecurity Allegations: Calls for Clarity on US' Role in Attacks
**The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed strong opposition to the UK's decision to impose sanctions on two Chinese entities over alleged cyberattacks, with a spokesperson calling on London to clarify its role in the US' own cyberattacks against China.
In response to the UK's announcement of sanctions, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Beijing "firmly opposes and cracks down on hacking activities in accordance with the law," while also condemning the UK's approach to politicizing cybersecurity issues.
"We resolutely oppose the dissemination of false information for political purposes," the spokesperson emphasized. China has already lodged stern representations with the UK in both Beijing and London, reflecting its "strong dissatisfaction" with the UK's actions.
Guo Jiakun, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, pointed out that China is itself a major victim of cyberattacks, highlighting the US National Security Agency's (NSA) 2015 cyberattack on China's National Time Service Center. Notably, the UK was identified as one of the launching pads for this attack.
Guo called on the UK to clarify its role in the US' cyberattacks against China's critical information infrastructure, given the UK's membership in both the "Five Eyes" alliance and NATO.
"Cybersecurity is a global common challenge," Guo said. "We urge the UK to immediately correct its erroneous practices, abandon double standards and politicization schemes, and work with China in a truly responsible and constructive manner to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in cyberspace."
The Chinese Embassy in London also weighed in on the issue, releasing a statement expressing its opposition to the UK's actions. The embassy characterized the sanctions as "illegal unilateral measures" taken by the UK in collusion with the US.
"The UK has deliberately smeared China and imposed these illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese entities," the embassy said. "We urge the UK to immediately correct its wrong approach, revoke the sanctions against the Chinese companies, and stop smearing and vilifying China."
Guo emphasized that China will take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests in response to the UK's actions.
The diplomatic row highlights the increasingly complex relationship between China and Western countries on cybersecurity issues. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether the two sides can find common ground on this critical issue.