Key Points
- The Czech Republic has accused China of launching a cyberattack on its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The European Union expressed its full solidarity with the Czech Republic over the cyber incident.
- EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the attacks as violations of international norms.
- Kallas called on all states, including China, to stop supporting or enabling cyber threats.
The European Union has issued a strong statement of support for the Czech Republic after it accused China of orchestrating a malicious cyberattack targeting the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The attack, according to Czech officials, was part of a broader campaign of cyber espionage believed to originate from Chinese state-backed actors.
In response, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas released a formal statement on Wednesday, expressing solidarity with Czechia and condemning the cyber activities attributed to China. “The European Union and its Member States, together with international partners, stand in solidarity with Czechia regarding the malicious cyber campaign that targeted its Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Kallas said.
The EU has become increasingly concerned about the growing number of cyberattacks targeting its member states, with several incidents in recent years linked to Chinese threat actors. Kallas emphasized that such attacks violate internationally accepted norms on state conduct in cyberspace.
“We call upon all states, including China, to refrain from such behaviour,” she said. “States should not allow their territory to be used for malicious cyber activities.” The EU also urged China to strengthen its efforts to prevent such attacks from occurring and to adhere to responsible behavior in the digital realm.
Kallas underscored that the European Union remains committed to defending its institutions and member states from cyber threats. She noted that the EU is prepared to take further measures, if necessary, to deter, respond to, or prevent further malicious activity in cyberspace.
The incident marks yet another escalation in digital tensions between the EU and China at a time when cybersecurity is becoming a central issue in global diplomacy and national security. It also highlights the EU’s increasing willingness to hold state actors accountable for breaches that undermine its democratic institutions and sovereignty.
