Germany Accuses China of 2021 Cyberattack on Cartography Agency

Germany has accused Chinese state actors of a 2021 cyberattack on its national office for cartography. The Chinese ambassador was summoned for a protest, marking the first such event in decades. The attack aimed at espionage, reflecting rising tensions between Berlin and Beijing over security concerns.

Germany has formally accused Chinese state actors of orchestrating a 2021 cyberattack on the country's national office for cartography, a charge that has led to the summoning of the Chinese ambassador to the Foreign Ministry for the first time in decades.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sebastian Fischer confirmed that German intelligence services have reliable information pinning the attack on Chinese entities. The cyber intrusion was aimed at espionage, targeting the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, "This serious cyberattack on a federal agency shows how significant the threat is from Chinese cyberattacks and spying. We call on China to cease such activities immediately." Berlin's criticism aligns with broader worries about security risks posed by China, following recent arrests and a ban on Chinese tech in critical infrastructure.