Britain's Deputy Prime Minister accuses China of cyberattacks on British politicians
Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden (photo: facebook.com/oliverdowdenhertsmere)
Deputy Prime Minister of the UK Oliver Dowden informed parliament that China is behind a series of cyberattacks on British politicians, reports Bloomberg.
Bloomberg, citing The Times, which in turn refers to unnamed sources, reports that Alison Giles, the director of security for the British Parliament, held a meeting with a small group of politicians who are members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China.
The cyberattacks are part of a wave of interference from China aimed at undermining British democracy, The Times wrote.
A government representative declined to comment to the newspaper.
The Chinese Embassy in London also did not respond to an email request for comment.
Last year, a British parliamentary committee warned that the government's approach to the national security threat posed by China was wholly inadequate, with too much emphasis on short-term economic benefits rather than long-term risks.
On March 22, Australia and the UK criticized China for its actions in Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and its support for Russia. Both countries called the Chinese ships' dangerous and destabilizing behavior towards Philippine vessels and crews near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
On Saturday, March 23, the China Coast Guard fired water cannons at Philippine ships in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The Philippines reported injuries and called the actions irresponsible and provocative.
