News item | 4/19/2023 | 15:01
China is trying to acquire knowledge and goods from the Dutch space sector. That probably happens partly outside the export restrictions. This is evident from the annual report of the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) for 2022, published today.
According to an analysis by the MIVD, the number of satellite launches by China will rise to 100 per year in the coming years. With this, the country is further expanding its military capacity in space.
“These are launchers with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and communication satellites,” MIVD Director Major General Jan Swillens explains. “The result is that this gives them an emphatic military advantage through a better information position.”
Leader
The Chinese are developing state-of-the-art quantum communication networks in space with global coverage and want to become a frontrunner in this. Swillens: “This quantum communication is much more difficult or impossible to intercept. That is a major military advantage for China.”
China has extensive lists of technological espionage needs. Dutch (defense) companies and knowledge institutions, such as universities and scientists, are targets of Chinese espionage on a large scale. In 2022, the MIVD prevented several Chinese attempts to obtain Dutch (military) technology.
In the past year, the MIVD has investigated various Chinese attempts to acquire military-relevant technology outside the export restrictions. In doing so, the MIVD discovered, among other things, a number of cover companies that were used for this purpose.
Where necessary, the MIVD has taken measures against such espionage attempts. Think, for example, of conversations with (potential) targets, for example companies, to make them more aware and to improve their security measures.
Dominant position
China is quickly building up a dominant position in the field of military technology. The country develops advanced and high-tech weapons, including several types of anti-satellite weapons. China’s investments in (military applications of) artificial intelligence and quantum computers are also large. The Netherlands is an attractive espionage target for China, particularly in the semiconductor industry, quantum technology, aerospace and maritime industry.
China steals weapon designs and sends talented Chinese students and professionals to the Netherlands and Europe to ‘get’ knowledge. The MIVD concludes that the threat posed by Chinese military capabilities is great. The chance that the Dutch armed forces will come into contact with Chinese weapons is increasing, partly because China exports these systems worldwide.
Cyber and privacy
The MIVD has signaled a relentless stream of Chinese cyber attacks. “A few weeks ago we discovered that a Chinese hacker group was trying to penetrate the network of the Dutch government,” says Swillens. “Fortunately, we saw the attack in time.”
China is also trying to acquire personal data in the Netherlands. As a result, the privacy of Dutch citizens is at stake. The MIVD works together with the AIVD to prevent this as well.
The annual report also describes the Russian attack in Ukraine, the international instability and the increased focus on digital and economic security. This increases the threat to the open and free society in the Netherlands and Europe. This demands more and more efforts from the MIVD.