The Netherlands’ Defence Minister, Ruben Brekelmans, has warned that Chinese efforts to spy on Dutch industries are intensifying, with a particular focus on critical sectors such as semiconductors and other high-tech areas. This concern was raised during the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum on May 31, 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Intensifying Espionage: Minister Brekelmans stated that Chinese industrial espionage against the Netherlands is escalating.
- Targeting High-Tech Sectors: The primary targets for this spying are reportedly the semiconductor, aerospace, and maritime industries, with a strong interest in acquiring intellectual property.
- Cyber Threat Confirmation: Dutch intelligence reports continue to identify China as the biggest cyber threat, indicating an ongoing increase in cyber activity directed at the Netherlands.
- Economic Leverage Concerns: Brekelmans also expressed concern that China is utilizing its economic influence for geopolitical purposes and to exert pressure on countries like the Netherlands.
- Need for Dependency Reduction: The minister emphasized the need for both national and European Union-level actions to reduce dependencies on China, particularly for critical raw materials.
The minister’s statements highlight a growing concern over national security and economic vulnerabilities due to increased foreign intelligence activities, urging greater vigilance and strategic responses to protect critical industries and intellectual property.
For more information, you can read a related article on Politico.eu: Dutch defense minister warns of Chinese spying threat
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