Dutch Spy Chief: China Is a Bigger Cyber Threat Than Russia

China’s cyber capabilities pose a greater threat to Europe than Russia, according to Vice Admiral Peter Reesink, head of the Dutch military intelligence agency (MIVD). The Gaze reports, citing Politico. 

Reesink warned: “China has a very complex, organized cyber system. And we are not able to have a full grasp on what they can do,” he said. “I would say that it’s more threatening than Russia.”

MIVD’s annual report underscored growing China-Russia cooperation and warned of rising risks for Europe. Reesink noted that China has targeted around 10 European countries, and U.S. agencies previously confirmed Chinese group Salt Typhoon had infiltrated American telecom networks.

“We saw something similar happening in Europe, although not at the same level as in the U.S.,” Reesink said. “But what we can observe is only a limited part of China’s complex cyber system.”

Meanwhile, Russia continues hybrid attacks. MIVD revealed Kremlin-backed hacks on Dutch political party websites and public transport systems during the 2024 EU elections.

“We have information of Russian interference in different elections … mostly with countries which used to be under the influence of Russia,” Reesink said.

He also warned of Russia’s sharp military buildup, with $149 billion in 2024 defense spending and artillery movements near NATO borders.

Reesink acknowledged that Donald Trump’s return has shaken European confidence in U.S. intelligence partnerships.

“It’s not a very comfortable signal from the U.S. when you see the leadership on their side from the intelligence agencies being … well, having to seek another job,” he said.

But it’s also prompted a European reckoning.

“It was a good look in the mirror for Europe and the role we have to play for ourselves,” Reesink said.

“For the first time, I think, all of us directors were present” at a Brussels intelligence meeting.

As The Gaze previously reported, Russia has intensified its hybrid operations targeting the Netherlands and other European allies, according to a new annual report released by the Dutch military intelligence service MIVD.