The State Security Service (VSSE) of the Belgian Intelligence Service has expressed concerns about potential espionage activities by Chinese company Alibaba Group Holding in the field of logistics to gather financial intelligence. The VSSE has been investigating the possible cyber espionage actions carried out by Chinese companies, including Alibaba, at Liege Airport, which serves as the main European logistics center for Alibaba.
The VSSE is actively working on identifying any espionage and intervention by Chinese entities, including Alibaba, at the logistics hub in Liege. The VSSE’s concerns stem from the Chinese government’s ability to compel Chinese companies or individuals to support reconnaissance operations as per the National Intelligence Law.
The annual report of the VSSE highlights that China’s activities in Belgium go beyond traditional espionage and hacking. The report states that China employs various resources to influence decision-making processes, and Belgium, with its extensive international institutions, is an attractive target for Chinese espionage and influence. The report also emphasizes the close economic ties between Belgium and China, even in strategic sectors.
Additionally, the VSSE warns that China has the capacity and intention to use the data collected by Alibaba through its systems at Liege Airport for non-profit purposes. However, representatives of Alibaba’s logistics subsidiary, Cainiao, deny all accusations and assert that they comply with all laws and standards in the countries where they operate.
Belgian intelligence believes that the data collected by Alibaba at Liege Airport can provide Chinese spies with valuable information about logistics and help them identify important participants in supply chains. This data is of great significance to Chinese intelligence services, who may utilize it for cyber spying, sabotage, and financial intelligence gathering in Western countries.
| Sources: |
|---|
| Financial Times |