Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced on May 28 via social media platform X that China is interfering in Czech society through manipulation, propaganda, and cyberattacks, Russian state media outlet Sputnik News reported. He specifically cited recent attacks targeting the Czech Foreign Ministry and revealed that he had summoned the Chinese ambassador to express that such hostile actions would have serious consequences for bilateral relations.
The Czech government has officially attributed responsibility for malicious cyberattacks against a non-classified network of the Czech Foreign Ministry to China. These attacks have been ongoing since 2022 and were allegedly carried out by APT31, a cyber espionage group publicly linked to China’s Ministry of State Security.
The accusations have drawn strong international support for the Czech Republic. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas issued a statement “strongly condemning the malicious cyber activities” and urging China to “immediately cease such behavior.” The EU warned it was “prepared to take further measures in response” while reaffirming “firm support” for the Czech Republic.
NATO expressed growing concern about what it called a “rapidly expanding pattern of destructive behavior” apparently aimed at “undermining alliance stability.” The U.S. Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy described the incident as “another example of harmful cyber activity originating from APT31” and urged China to act responsibly in cyberspace.
China has strongly rejected these allegations. The Chinese Embassy in Prague spokesperson expressed “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to what they termed “false accusations.” China argued that cyber attribution should be based on solid evidence and that the Czech Republic was making unfounded claims without proof. Chinese officials have previously conducted technical investigations regarding APT31 and maintain that the evidence is insufficient and lacks professionalism.
China’s Mission to the EU similarly dismissed the statements from EU and NATO as “full of speculation and groundless accusations,” reiterating China’s position that cybersecurity issues should be addressed through bilateral dialogue and judicial cooperation rather than being exploited for geopolitical purposes.
Source: Sputnik News, May 29, 2025
https://sputniknews.cn/20250529/1065733252.html