China denied accusations made by the U.S. and U.K. along with their allies, that actors connected to the Asian nation’s government were behind the hack of Microsoft Exchange and other “malicious” cyber activities.
At a press conference in Beijing, Zhao Lijian, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that “the U.S. joined forces with its allies and launched a unwarranted accusation about China on cybersecurity.” “It’s purely a smear, suppression out of political motives. China will not accept this.”
Zhao said that the U.S. details “does not constitute an entire chain of evidence.” The U.S. is actually the biggest source of cyberattacks in the world.
According to the group of nations, the Chinese government is responsible for a string of cyber-espionage, data theft, and malicious ransomware attacks against public and private entities. This includes the massive hack of Microsoft Exchange earlier in the year.
Tensions have been heightened between China and America over issues ranging anywhere from Hong Kong’s western region and policies to China to the origins and spread of the coronavirus. Last week, the Biden administration issued an advisory warning investors about the dangers of doing business in Asia’s financial hub. It stated that China’s push for greater control over the city would threaten the rule of the law and endanger employees and data.
Dominic Raab, U.K. Foreign Secretary, stated in a statement that the Chinese government must stop cyber sabotage. If it doesn’t, they can expect to be held accountable.
On Monday, President Joe Biden stated to reporters at the White House that while the investigation was not complete, the Chinese government is responsible. His administration stated that it would join with European countries to expose China’s activities and will take steps against it.
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According to a senior Biden administration official, the group of countries that attacked China include Australia, Canada and New Zealand. This is the first time the North American-European alliance has condemned China’s cyber activities.
Zhao stated that NATO had made cyberspace a battlefield under the U.S.’s encouragement at the briefing in Beijing. “Introducing a military alliance into cyberspace not only doesn’t do much to secure oneself, but can also lead to a cyber arms race, increase the risk of friction, disputes, and undermine international security and peace.”