The Embassy of China in the Philippines has strongly refuted the claim made by Filipino officials that Chinese individuals were involved in recent hacking attempts on government websites in the country. In a statement issued on Monday, the embassy described these allegations as “highly irresponsible.”
The embassy spokesperson emphasized that the Chinese government consistently opposes and takes strict action against all forms of cyber attacks in accordance with the law. They also made it clear that China does not tolerate any country or individual engaging in cyber attacks or illegal activities on Chinese soil or using Chinese infrastructure.
Recently, a Department of Information and Communications Technology official revealed that Filipino cybersecurity experts successfully thwarted hacking attempts on government websites and email addresses, allegedly originating from a Chinese company. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has also raised concerns that the reported hacking incident could be connected to the ongoing South China Sea disputes.
The Chinese embassy responded by stating that certain Filipino officials and media outlets have maliciously speculated and groundlessly accused China of involvement in cyber attacks against the Philippines. They further criticized these individuals for attempting to link the cyber attacks with the South China Sea issue.
The embassy emphasized that cybersecurity is a global challenge that requires a collective response from the international community. China called on all nations to work together through dialogue and cooperation to safeguard cybersecurity.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman, Wang Wenbin, echoed the embassy’s stance, emphasizing that China always strictly cracks down on cyber attacks in accordance with the law. He also expressed support for dialogue and cooperation among countries to jointly protect cybersecurity.
In response to the reported hacking attempt on the website of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Senator Mary Grace Poe urged government agencies to strengthen their websites’ firewalls and systems to prevent further hacking attempts. She described the recent incident as alarming and emphasized that cyber attacks have become more audacious and persistent.
As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it is crucial for governments and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures. By fortifying their websites’ firewalls and systems, government agencies can enhance their defense against hacking attempts and protect sensitive information.
Cybersecurity is a global concern that affects countries worldwide. It is essential for nations to engage in open dialogue and cooperation to collectively address this challenge. By working together, countries can strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities and effectively combat cyber threats.
It is important to note that allegations of cyber attacks should be thoroughly investigated before assigning blame to any specific country or individual. Accurate attribution is crucial to maintaining diplomatic relations and ensuring a fair and just response to cyber incidents.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative for countries to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to safeguard their cyberspace. By promoting dialogue, cooperation, and adherence to international laws and norms, nations can work together to build a secure and resilient digital environment.
Source: The Manila Times
