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Asif Mohammad Sovon
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Asif Mohammad Sovon @asif_mohammad_sovon

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Jun 02, 2025

Chinese Espionage on Dutch Tech Industries Intensifies, Defence Minister Warns

Chinese Espionage on Dutch Tech Industries Intensifies, Defence Minister Warns Fileion.Com
During the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans expressed growing concerns over China's escalating espionage activities targeting the Netherlands' high-tech sectors, particularly the semiconductor industry. Brekelmans highlighted that Chinese cyber operations remain the most significant threat, with continuous incidents indicating sustained intrusion attempts by Chinese espionage groups.
"The semiconductor industry, which we are technologically leading, is of particular interest to China," Brekelmans stated.
He emphasized that the Netherlands is enhancing protective measures for strategic industries and advocating for reduced dependency on China, especially concerning critical raw materials, both nationally and at the EU level.

Historical Context and Ongoing Threats

In 2023, Dutch military intelligence disclosed that Chinese state-sponsored hackers had infiltrated a Dutch military network, also targeting aerospace and maritime sectors.
Brekelmans noted that these cyber activities have not ceased, with the latest intelligence reports indicating that China remains the primary source of cyber threats to the Netherlands.

Economic Implications and Strategic Responses

The Netherlands, home to leading semiconductor companies like ASML, has taken steps to protect its technological edge. In collaboration with the United States, the Dutch government has implemented export restrictions to prevent advanced chip-making technology from reaching China. These measures aim to curb the military capabilities that China could develop using such technologies.
Brekelmans stressed the importance of reducing dependencies on China, stating, "Both on the European Union level and the national level, we need to take bigger steps to reduce those dependencies."

Broader European Concerns

The issue of Chinese espionage is not isolated to the Netherlands. European countries have expressed concerns over China's efforts to acquire advanced technologies through espionage. The European Union has identified advanced semiconductors as a critical tech area requiring increased research, security and risk assessments.

Conclusion

The Netherlands is taking proactive measures to safeguard its high-tech industries from foreign espionage, particularly from China. By enhancing protective measures and reducing dependencies, the Dutch government aims to maintain its technological leadership and national security.
 
What are your thoughts on the Netherlands' approach to countering foreign espionage? Share your opinions in the comments below or stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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