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The Netherlands has raised fresh concerns over persistent cyber espionage activities attributed to China, particularly targeting its advanced semiconductor sector. Dutch officials warn that the scale and intensity of cyber intrusions are not diminishing, with the Chinese government allegedly seeking to exploit sensitive technologies for strategic military gains. As geopolitical tensions rise, Dutch authorities are calling for stronger safeguards and a reduction of critical dependencies on China, both nationally and at the EU level.
I. Heightened Espionage Risks for Dutch High-Tech Industries
1. Semiconductor Sector Under Persistent Threat
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Dutch official Ruben Brekelmans highlighted the national security risks posed by Chinese interest in the Netherlands’ semiconductor technologies. As a global leader in chip-making innovation, the country has become an attractive target for foreign intelligence operations. Brekelmans emphasized that Chinese actors are especially interested in acquiring intellectual property from this sector, which could be repurposed to enhance China’s military capabilities.
2. Strategic Targeting by Chinese State-Backed Hackers
The Netherlands’ military intelligence agency reported last year that Chinese spies have attempted to infiltrate not just the semiconductor sector but also the aerospace and maritime industries. The aim appears to be the fortification of China’s armed forces by extracting sensitive industrial secrets. The threat was significant in 2023 and, according to recent intelligence updates, remains highly active.
II. Ongoing Cyber Espionage and State-Level Responses
1. No Sign of De-escalation in Cyber Activity
When asked whether the cyber intrusions from China had declined, Brekelmans was unequivocal: the activity continues and is intensifying. He pointed out that the most notable cyber threats currently faced by the Netherlands originate from China. This marks a continuation of a troubling trend noted in prior intelligence assessments, reinforcing the urgency for enhanced national and regional cybersecurity defenses.
2. Initial Public Attribution to China in 2023
The Dutch intelligence community first publicly linked China to cyber espionage in 2023, after confirming that Chinese hackers had breached a military network. This marked a significant moment for the Netherlands, highlighting the increasing boldness and capability of state-sponsored cyber actors. The breach underscored the vulnerability of even the most secure government systems to well-orchestrated digital intrusions.
3. Beijing Denies Allegations
As expected, the Chinese government has rejected the accusations, maintaining its longstanding position that it opposes all forms of cyberattacks. China’s foreign ministry did not issue a specific response to the recent Dutch claims, but it typically dismisses such allegations as politically motivated and lacking in evidence. Nonetheless, Western governments are increasingly aligning on the view that Chinese cyber operations pose a serious and growing threat.
III. The Geopolitical Dimensions of China’s Economic Power
1. Cyber Tools as Instruments of Influence
Brekelmans emphasized that China is not only engaging in cyber espionage but also leveraging its economic influence to exert geopolitical pressure. The Netherlands, like many European countries, finds itself in a delicate position—balancing economic ties with China while guarding against strategic vulnerabilities. This duality highlights the complex nature of modern statecraft, where technology, trade, and security are deeply intertwined.
2. The Push to Safeguard Strategic Sectors
In response to these threats, the Dutch government has implemented various mechanisms aimed at protecting key national industries. These include new regulations and monitoring tools designed to prevent unauthorized foreign access to critical technologies and infrastructure. The goal is to maintain technological sovereignty and prevent sensitive innovations from being exploited for purposes that could undermine national or European security.
3. Reducing Dependence on Chinese Resources
Another concern raised by Brekelmans is the EU’s dependence on China for essential raw materials. These inputs are vital for manufacturing not just semiconductors but also renewable energy systems, electronics, and military-grade technologies. Dutch and EU leaders alike are advocating for a more self-sufficient supply chain strategy, with calls to diversify sourcing and invest in alternative suppliers to reduce exposure to geopolitical risks.
IV. Europe’s Broader Strategy in the Face of Cyber Threats
1. EU-Level Coordination on Security and Technology
Brekelmans stressed that the European Union must take decisive action to reduce strategic dependencies and bolster its cyber defenses. While some progress has been made in recent years through initiatives like the EU Cybersecurity Act and the Digital Services Act, officials argue that more comprehensive and integrated responses are needed. This includes both offensive and defensive capabilities to counter cyber espionage and safeguard digital infrastructure.
2. Calls for Shared Cyber Intelligence Across the Bloc
One key area of focus is intelligence sharing. As cyberattacks become more complex and cross-border, EU member states are increasingly encouraged to share real-time intelligence on threats and vulnerabilities. Collaborative threat detection and response mechanisms can help prevent major breaches and coordinate policy responses to incidents attributed to foreign actors.
3. The Semiconductor Industry as a Strategic Asset
Europe’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain is central to its future technological independence. The Dutch company ASML, for example, is one of the world’s only manufacturers of advanced lithography machines used to produce cutting-edge microchips. Protecting this industrial advantage is a strategic priority for both the Netherlands and the EU, making it a top target for espionage.
Conclusion
As cyber threats continue to grow in both scope and intensity, the Netherlands is sounding the alarm on China’s persistent espionage campaigns targeting critical industries. Dutch officials are calling for stronger domestic protections, reduced reliance on Chinese resources, and deeper EU coordination to counter these threats. With the semiconductor sector at the center of this digital battleground, safeguarding intellectual property and maintaining technological sovereignty have become essential to national and regional security strategies. In this evolving landscape, cyber resilience is not just a technical issue—it is a geopolitical imperative.
