On April 19, when the world’s largest democracy began its polling for the next Lok Sabha, the world’s largest military introduced a new wing, Information Support Force (ISF) to enhance its cyber warfare defense system. China never fails to play its ‘A’ game.
In a ceremonial event at the Chinese capital, Beijing, President Xi announced the formation of a new wing Information Support Force for its People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He also presented a flag to its army and stressed solid efforts to build a strong and modernized information support force, according to the press release of the state run news, Xinhua.
The ISF will replace the former Strategic Support Force (SSF) formed in 2015. The aerospace and cyber units which were previously monitored by the SSF will now function independently. The primary aim is to boost the space, cyber, political and electronic warfare system of the country.
Wu Qian, the Chinese Defense Minister commented, “The Information Support Force is a brand-new strategic arm of the PLA and a key underpinning of coordinated development and application of the network information system. It plays an important role and bears great responsibility in promoting high-quality development and the ability to fight and win in modern warfare.”
The Potential Threats of Cyber War from China?
In a recent report by Reuters, allegations have been made by the FBI saying the Chinese government linked hackers have been accused of infiltrating the critical US infrastructure. In a speech made by the FBI Director he said, “An ongoing Chinese hacking campaign known as Volt Typhoon has successfully gained access to numerous American companies in telecommunications, energy, water and other critical sectors, with 23 pipeline operators targeted.” His concern is that China might be developing an “ability to physically wreak havoc.”
In response to these allegations, the Chinese government said, “Some in the US have been using origin-tracing of cyberattacks as a tool to hit and frame China, claiming the US to be the victim while it’s the other way round, and politicizing cybersecurity issues.”
Even though the Chinese government has declared Volt Typhoon to be a part of a criminal ransomware group, the FBI director remained skeptical and emphasized that security researchers reports from Microsoft and Google have also linked Volt Typhoon to China.
At the conference, President Xi also ordered the largest military organization since 2015. This news comes in light of the rising tensions with its enemy country USA.
