As the dialogue between Australia and China increases, people should not think Beijing will automatically change its cyber behaviour, former US National Security Agency Chief Admiral Michael Rogers warns.
Admiral Rogers ensured that Australia and China communicating with each other is a “positive thing”.
“A strong China is not necessarily a bad thing,” he told Sky News Australia.
“The challenge is how a strong China integrates itself into the broader global community in which it respects the rule of law as well as the norms of behaviour that we have developed over the last 70 years.”
It is suggested by the US defence experts that China Is using Australia's new changing government to improve the perception of Beijing and is also continuing a steady cyber interference behind the scenes.
The conversation amongst the defence analyst and threat intelligence community reflects the Federal government's ongoing concern on security matters. Mike Burgess, ASIO spy boss, said only a couple of weeks ago that “foreign interference is a bigger problem than he's ever faced”
The challenges, how does a strong China try to integrate itself into the broader global community in which in perspects the rule of law, as well as the norms of behaviour that we developed over the last 70 years?
Admiral Michael Rogers outlined “They have improved relations and you know, Essentially between Australia and China. We all know Australia's reliance on China diversification is something that's talked about often, but I think that's very hard to do. It takes quite some time.
As China and Australia engage in dialogue on cybersecurity issues, it has become clear that China is not willing to change its cyber behaviour "automatically." Chinese officials have stated that any changes in behaviour will need to be based on mutual respect and understanding, rather than pressure or coercion from outside forces.
This stance reflects China's broader approach to cybersecurity issues, which is based on the principle of "cyber sovereignty." Cyber sovereignty refers to the idea that each country should have the right to regulate and control the flow of information and data within its own borders, without interference from other countries or international organisations.
At the same time, China has been accused of engaging in cyber espionage and other malicious cyber activities, particularly against Western countries and their allies. These activities have included the theft of intellectual property, the disruption of critical infrastructure, and the targeting of government agencies and other sensitive targets.
Despite these accusations, China has maintained that its cyber activities are defensive in nature and necessary to protect its national security interests. China has also expressed frustration with what it perceives as Western bias in the global cybersecurity debate and has called for greater representation and participation from developing countries in cybersecurity discussions.
In this context, the question of what strategy China will pursue in 2023 on cybersecurity issues is complex and multifaceted. There are a number of factors that will shape China's approach, including geopolitical, economic, and technological developments,and proactive engagements to cement bilateral treaties as well as changes in the international cybersecurity landscape.
