Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Photo:VCG

Chinese embassies in Belgium and Netherlands slammed the two countries' media after they said attendees of the Beijing Winter Olympics may be at risk of cyber espionage, saying such claims are completely unfounded and unnecessary. China is firmly against cyber espionage including mass surveillance, the embassies said, noting the country champions network and information security.

The Chinese government is a firm defender of cybersecurity and firmly opposes any form of cyberattack, said the Chinese Embassy in Belgium on Wednesday, noting that in recent years, China has put in place several cyber security laws, including Cybersecurity Law, Data Security Law and Personal Information Protection Law. The privacy and information security of Chinese citizens and foreign visitors are all well protected according to the laws.

The remarks were made after media reported that the Belgian Interfederal Olympic Committee has recommended that all Belgian athletes travelling to the Beijing Olympics should leave personal laptops and smartphones at home. The BOIC's Mathias Van Baelen said the organization is preferring to play safe. 

The Dutch Olympic team received similar advice.

Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands also said on Wednesday that the claims are totally groundless. China is firmly against cyber espionage, including mass surveillance, and advocates network and information security. 

The privacy and information security of Chinese citizens and foreign visitors to China are all well protected according to the law. China is looking forward to hosting a splendid Winter Olympic Games, the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands said. 

Global Times