In the past year, the MIVD investigated various Chinese attempts to acquire military-relevant technology outside export restrictions. In doing so, the MIVD discovered, among other things, a number of ‘cover companies’ that were used for this purpose.
The MIVD has taken measures against such espionage attempts, for example by holding discussions with possible targets or by ensuring that companies improve their security.
The Netherlands is an attractive espionage target for China, the military intelligence service writes, particularly in the field of 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 gain knowledge.
In addition, the MIVD has identified ‘an unrelenting 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 General Jan Swillens, director of MIVD. “Fortunately we saw the attack in time.”
Military capability in space
China is further expanding its military capacity in space, the MIVD writes. In the coming years, the number of satellites launched by China per year will increase to 100. “These are launchers with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communication satellites,” explains General Swillens.
“The result is that this gives them an emphatic military advantage through a better information position.” The communication networks in space have global coverage. “This quantum communication is much more difficult or impossible to intercept. That is a major military advantage for China,” says Swillens.
