Czech Republic Claims China Cyberattack on its Foreign Ministry's Communications

Published: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 12:09 pm

Czech Republic Accuses China of Cyberattack on Foreign Ministry

Prague, Czech Republic – The Czech government has publicly accused China of orchestrating a cyberattack against the communication network of its Foreign Ministry, according to officials on Wednesday. The alleged attack, which began in 2022, targeted the country's critical infrastructure.

The Czech Foreign Ministry stated that the Advanced Persistent Threat 31 (APT31) group, believed to be linked to China's Ministry of State Security, was responsible. While the exact nature of the information compromised and the extent of the damage remain unclear, the ministry confirmed that a new communication system has already been implemented.

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsk summoned the Chinese ambassador to Prague to express the Czech Republic's strong condemnation of the attack. The government's statement emphasized that such actions "undermine the credibility of the People's Republic of China" and contradict its public statements.

Both NATO and the European Union have condemned the cyberattack, expressing solidarity with the Czech Republic. NATO noted a "growing pattern of malicious cyber activities" originating from China, while the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called the attack an "unacceptable breach of international norms."

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding cybersecurity and the increasing frequency of state-sponsored cyberattacks. The Czech Republic's strong response, coupled with the condemnation from international allies, underscores the seriousness with which such breaches are viewed.

BNN's Perspective: This incident underscores the complex and often fraught relationship between nations in the digital age. While the Czech Republic is right to defend its sovereignty and critical infrastructure, it's important to remember that accusations alone don't tell the whole story. A thorough investigation and concrete evidence are crucial. The international community must work together to establish clear norms and consequences for cyberattacks to prevent further escalation and maintain stability.

Keywords: Czech Republic, China, cyberattack, Foreign Ministry, APT31, cyber security, Prague, NATO, EU, Jan Lipavsk, critical infrastructure, cyber warfare, state-sponsored, malicious cyber activities, international norms

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