Fact Check: "China's cyberattacks on Russia continue despite pledges of friendship."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that despite formal agreements between China and Russia to refrain from cyberattacks against each other, there are claims that China has been conducting cyber operations targeting Russian military and defense sectors. For instance, a report from The New York Times suggests that Chinese hackers have been involved in stealing sensitive information related to Russia's military operations in Ukraine. This activity appears to contradict the spirit of the agreements made in 2009 and 2015, where both nations pledged not to engage in cyberattacks against each other.
Moreover, a report from Politico highlights that while the Russian government has not publicly attributed specific cyberattacks to China, there is evidence of Chinese cyber espionage aimed at Russian aerospace and defense firms. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the bilateral agreements and the underlying dynamics of the China-Russia relationship.
Analysis
The claim that "China's cyberattacks on Russia continue despite pledges of friendship" is supported by emerging evidence from credible news sources. The New York Times article discusses how Chinese hackers are reportedly targeting Russian military secrets, which suggests a breach of the previously established agreements between the two countries (source-3).
However, the reliability of these reports can be scrutinized. While the New York Times and Politico are reputable news outlets, the lack of direct attribution from the Russian government regarding these cyberattacks raises questions about the certainty of the claims. The absence of official acknowledgment or detailed evidence from Russian authorities could indicate either a reluctance to publicly address the issue or a lack of conclusive proof linking the attacks directly to Chinese state-sponsored actors.
Furthermore, the context of the China-Russia relationship is complex. Despite their public declarations of friendship and cooperation, both nations have strategic interests that may lead to competitive or adversarial actions, including cyber operations. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the geopolitical tensions with the West could motivate China to gather intelligence on Russia's military strategies, even if such actions are officially denied.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that "China's cyberattacks on Russia continue despite pledges of friendship" is partially supported by credible reports indicating ongoing cyber activities. However, the lack of direct attribution from Russian officials and the complexity of the geopolitical landscape necessitate further investigation. More comprehensive evidence is required to definitively confirm the extent and nature of these cyber operations and their implications for China-Russia relations.
