‘Political manipulation’: China slams UK sanctions on cyber firms; London cites ‘hybrid threat’

Beijing on Wednesday sharply criticised Britain’s decision to sanction two China-based technology firms over alleged cyber operations targeting the UK and its allies. China called the move “political manipulation”, escalating diplomatic friction over cybersecurity concerns.The British foreign office a day earlier imposed sanctions on i-Soon and Integrity Technology Group, accusing them of conducting “vast and indiscriminate cyberactivities” impacting public services and national security. Several Russian entities were also listed for allegedly spreading pro-Moscow disinformation.Responding at a regular briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing had lodged “stern representations” with British officials in both capitals.

“China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the UK's practice of using cybersecurity issues for political manipulation,” he said.A policy paper released alongside the sanctions warned that cyber and information warfare pose a growing threat. British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said the operations attributed to the two Chinese firms “impact our collective security and our public services, yet those responsible operate with little regard for who or what they target”.

Across Europe, the paper noted, hybrid threats - spanning physical, cyber and information domains - are increasingly aimed at undermining democratic systems and critical infrastructure.Among the Russian entities targeted is Rybar, a widely followed media outlet whose multilingual Telegram channels reach millions. Cooper said it uses “classic Kremlin manipulation tactics, including fake 'investigations' and AI driven content” and operates while being partially funded by the Russian state and linked to intelligence networks. Also sanctioned are the Pravfond Foundation, accused of serving as a front for Russian foreign intelligence, and nationalist philosopher Alexander Dugin along with his think tank, the Centre for Geopolitical Expertise. Dugin is known for promoting “neo-Eurasianism”, a doctrine advocating a Russia-led geopolitical project stretching from Europe to Asia.(With inputs from agency)