China closing cyber gap with West, Britain’s spy chief warns
Britain's top cyber spy warns that China is rapidly closing the technological gap with Western nations. Ms. Anne Keast-Butler emphasizes the need for collaboration between businesses and intelligence officials to enhance cybersecurity. She also highlights the increasing threat posed by Russian hybrid attacks and the importance of the UK-US intelligence partnership.
- ▪China is now considered a science and tech superpower with advanced capabilities in intelligence and cyber operations.
- ▪In 2025, the UK saw a 50 percent increase in major cyberattacks, affecting prominent companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Marks and Spencer.
- ▪Ms. Keast-Butler calls for greater public involvement in cybersecurity efforts, stating it is 'ten times more urgent'.
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China closing cyber gap with West, Britain’s spy chief warnsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxRetail chain Marks & Spencer was among the companies targeted in major cyberattacks in 2025.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 27, 2026, 05:06 PMUpdated May 27, 2026, 05:09 PMListenLONDON – Britain and other western nations are running out of time to maintain their technological edge over China, Britain’s top cyber spy is set to warn on May 27, urging businesses to work with intelligence officials in order to stay ahead.“China is now a science and tech superpower with sophisticated capabilities across their intelligence, cyber and military agencies,” Ms Anne Keast-Butler, director of Britain’s signals intelligence agency GCHQ, will say in a rare public speech, according to…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.