The UK government has publicly accused China of orchestrating a „malicious“ cyber campaign targeting MPs and the Electoral Commission. The accusations led to sanctions against two individuals and one company suspected of being involved in the cyberattack. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said the organizations sought to access information on MPs critical of the Chinese government and potentially sensitive data on up to 40 million voters. In response, the Chinese embassy in the UK dismissed the claims as „totally baseless“ and labeled them „malicious slander“.
The names of those sanctioned by the UK are Zhao Guangzong, Ni Gaobin, and Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Technology Company, which the UK government has ties to the Chinese state-linked cyber espionage group Advanced Persistent Threat Group 31 (APT31). claims. ). As a result, UK sanctions will freeze assets, prohibit British nationals and businesses from handling funds or resources, and impose travel bans that prevent them from entering or remaining in the UK.
Mr Dowden underlined the UK's position against malicious cyber activity, stressing that protecting democratic institutions and values was an absolute priority. The Chinese ambassador is expected to be summoned to address China's involvement in these incidents.
Additionally, the United States announced criminal charges against the same two Chinese nationals and five others for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and wire fraud in New York. Additionally, New Zealand has accused China of targeting its parliamentary network in 2021, and alleges that the Chinese state-backed group APT40 was involved in the hacking operation. However, New Zealand has vowed not to introduce sanctions as this is not part of the government's legislative agenda.
The cyber attack on the UK Electoral Commission that occurred between August 2021 and October 2022 is said to be one of the most serious in UK history. While databases containing voter information were accessed, Mr Dowden assured that election security remained intact.
The targeted members of Congress are members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on China, which is known for monitoring the activities of the Chinese government. Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and former minister Tim Laughton have stressed the need for a decisive response, labeling China a „threat“ and calling for further sanctions to be imposed on Chinese officials. insisted.
These developments signal an escalation of diplomatic tensions between the UK and China, in contrast to previous efforts to foster closer ties. Concerns about Chinese espionage and interference in parliament are growing within the British government, leading to increased oversight and measures to protect national security.