UK accuses groups linked to China of two ‘malicious cyber campaigns’
There are several key standout phrases in the response
by China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian earlier, who avoided mentioning the United Kingdom by name in his statement on cyber incidents.
He said countries should have “sufficient, objective
evidence” before making what he described as “baseless accusations”.
He also added that it was “crucial” that “countries did not
politicise these issues.”
This latest spat comes just a few months after it looked
like the relationship between Beijing and London was in the process of being
repaired.
The UK had in the past voiced concerns about threats to civil
liberties in the former British colony of Hong Kong and Beijing’s failure to
condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and of course previous alleged incidents
of cyber espionage.
A visit by former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly last
August, the first visit to Beijing by a UK foreign minister in five years,
seemed to ease some of the tension.
China also welcomed the return of
David Cameron. The new foreign secretary once called for a “golden era” with
China and state media headlines pondered if the two countries were set for a
“new era of co-operation”.
But the prospect of fresh sanctions by the UK government
will likely prompt Beijing to retaliate in some form – putting the potential
for a “new era” in doubt.
Published at Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:14:29 +0000