Cyber-attacks attributed to China’s APT40 raise security concerns in New Zealand and the UK, straining diplomatic ties and highlighting the need for strengthened cybersecurity measures amid geopolitical challenges.
In 2021, New Zealand’s parliament experienced a state-sponsored cyber-attack attributed to Advanced Persistent Threat 40 (APT40), a group allegedly tied to China’s Ministry of State Security. This incident aligns with similar accusations from the UK, where China-based hackers were sanctioned for cyber-attacks targeting the UK’s election watchdog, parliament members, American officials, journalists, and activists. Despite New Zealand’s significant trade ties with China, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) Minister Judith Collins denounced the espionage but stopped short of imposing sanctions, opting instead for raising concerns with the Chinese government. China, through its embassy in Auckland, denied the allegations, describing them as groundless.
Amidst rising global tensions, former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith and other members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China have also reportedly been targets of Chinese espionage. British Chancellor Rishi Sunak referred to China’s actions as a major challenge to economic security, sparking debates over potential sanctions and the impact on UK-China relations, especially concerning collaborative climate change initiatives.
In London, Conservative MP Theresa Villiers highlighted the need for increased vigilance against China’s escalating cyber espionage efforts targeting economic and political interests. The sophisticated nature of these attacks has raised concerns over sensitive sectors like law firms, professional services, and academia, urging the government and private sectors to bolster cybersecurity measures.
The intertwining concerns of cyber-attacks, espionage, and the geopolitical landscape underscore the complex dynamics of UK and New Zealand’s relations with China. Amidst these security challenges, the necessity for protective measures against cyber threats and intellectual property theft remains pivotal, alongside the pursuit of diplomatic engagement on broader issues such as climate change.
