WORLD NEWS
Germany’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador to Berlin for the first time since 1989. This move comes in response to a 2021 cyberattack on Germany’s Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), which is responsible for analyzing satellite images and other geographic data.
The Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Sebastian Fischer, emphasized Germany’s strong opposition to cyber activities targeting its government institutions. Fischer stated, “We resolutely oppose such cyber activities directed against Germany and advocate responsible and rules-based behavior in cyberspace.” He further warned that the threat posed by Chinese espionage and cyberattacks should not be underestimated.
The cyberattack on the BKG was attributed to “Chinese state actors,” a designation that has raised alarm about the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks originating from China. This incident adds to a growing list of accusations against China from various governments worldwide, including the United States, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and India.
Reports have suggested that China operates a vast network of cyber operatives, often referred to as a “hacker army,” tasked with penetrating and disrupting sensitive systems globally. The summoning of the Chinese envoy marks a notable escalation in diplomatic tensions, reflecting Germany’s heightened concerns about cyber threats and espionage activities.
Historically, this is the first time the Chinese ambassador in Berlin has been summoned since the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, which were met with international condemnation and strained diplomatic relations.
As global concerns about cyber espionage and geopolitical tensions continue to rise, Germany's action underscores its commitment to addressing and countering cyber threats and reinforces the call for responsible behavior in international cyberspace.