German officials say an investigation into a 2021 cyberattack on the country's national mapping office has found that “Chinese actors” were responsible.
In response, Germany’s Foreign Ministry summoned China’s ambassador for the first time since 1989, after the violent protests in Tiananmen Square. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer said the German government had “reliable information from our intelligence services” about the source of the attack.
“State-controlled Chinese cyber actors have infiltrated the agency’s networks for espionage purposes,” Fischer said. “We firmly oppose cyber activity directed against Germany and advocate responsible and rule-based behavior in cyberspace,” he said.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement that Germany was “significantly increasing its protection” against such threats. “We call on China to exercise restraint and prevent such cyberattacks. Cyberattacks threaten the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe,” she added.
The German Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy is a vital resource for a range of state and private organizations, according to a government ministry statement. Relations between Germany and China have long been seen as strong, but tensions between Berlin and Beijing have risen in recent years, amid concerns about China’s authoritarian tendencies, business practices and potential security risks. Tensions escalated most recently after the arrest of three people and a German lawmaker in April on suspicion of spying for China. (ps/lt)
