Belgium To Summon Chinese Envoy After Allegations Of Cyberattack On Lawmakers

The Belgian Foreign Ministry will summon the Chinese envoy following allegations of a cyberattack on parliamentarians, the foreign minister said on Thursday.

According to media reports citing an FBI report, the laptops of Els Van Hoof, the chair of Belgium's Foreign Affairs Committee, and vice-chair Samuel Cogolati, were hacked by Chinese hackers in 2021 via emails.

The full extent of the impact of the cyberattack remains unclear, however, according to the FBI, the Chinese hackers were able to obtain the IP addresses.

"Following recent reports of intimidation and hacking of members of the Belgian Parliament, the Chinese charge d'affaires will be summoned," Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said on X.

"Members of Parliament must be able to work freely. This is the foundation of our democracy," Lahbib added. -