Chinese Side Expresses Strong Dissatisfaction, Firm Opposition to EU and NATO Claims Linking Cyberattack on Czech Republic to China
The Chinese side has expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to statements filled with speculation and baseless accusations regarding China's involvement in a recent cyberattack on the Czech Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This response was issued by a spokesperson from the Chinese Mission to the EU in reaction to negative remarks from the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) regarding China's alleged role in the incident.
The Chinese Mission to the EU stated that China has always resolutely opposed and legally combated all forms of cyberattacks, and does not encourage, support, or condone hacking activities. The spokesperson emphasized that the UN framework of responsible state behavior in cyberspace clearly states that the attribution of cyberattacks should be based on solid evidence.
China does not accept the smear and vilification of the country by relevant parties regarding cybersecurity issues without any evidence, said the spokesperson. It is essential to note that China is also one of the main victims of cyberattacks. For some time, malicious software from abroad has launched extensive cyberattacks against the Chinese government, universities, research institutions, large enterprises, and critical infrastructure, causing serious harm to China's national security, economic and social development, and the normal production and lives of its people.
China advocates that all parties should strengthen cooperation to jointly address cybersecurity threats on the basis of mutual respect and equality, utilizing bilateral dialogue, judicial assistance, and other channels. The country firmly opposes the manipulation of cybersecurity issues by certain parties to serve their own narrow geopolitical purposes.
On Wednesday night, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the false accusations against China by the Czech Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The embassy stated that China firmly rejects the Czech Republic's attempt to smear and defame it regarding cybersecurity issues without any evidence.
The so-called "APT31" is a reference to a hacking group allegedly associated with China, but China has conducted multiple technical reviews and clarifications, clearly stating that the relevant evidence is insufficient and the conclusions lack professionalism. The Chinese side firmly opposes countries manipulating cybersecurity issues to serve their own narrow geopolitical purposes.
"We urge the Czech side to immediately correct its erroneous actions, stop 'microphone diplomacy,' and seriously implement the UN framework of responsible state behavior, while objectively and fairly viewing cybersecurity issues," said the Embassy spokesperson. This statement highlights China's commitment to working with the international community to jointly maintain a peaceful, secure, open, and cooperative cyberspace.