Chinese Hackers Suspected of Accessing Kazakhstan's Communication Systems

Defense News , Kazakhstan :-  A Chinese hacker group is believed to have had full access to Kazakhstan's telecommunication infrastructure for the past two years. The Ministry of Defence and the national airline may have been among the targeted entities. The Kazakh government, along with the National Security Committee, is investigating the leaked information to gather more details.

Kazakhstan, known for its rich fossil fuel resources, is also attracting China's attention as a potential source of lithium, a crucial element for electric vehicles (EVs). The country aims to become a significant global supplier of high-quality lithium, with estimated reserves of around 75,600 tons, according to the National Geological Service.

In addition to economic ties with China, Kazakhstan is experiencing increased demand for its organic and environmentally friendly agricultural products. The country is also focused on enhancing trade with India through the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow on March 4 to discuss INSTC, particularly the railway section connecting Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. The Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan route is a branch of INSTC, aiming to link India with Eurasia.

Russia and Kazakhstan share the longest land border globally, spanning over 7,500 km. Both countries acknowledge the significant potential for cooperation in transport and logistics, given the importance of their transit routes in Eurasia.

To improve services and reduce cargo delivery time along the INSTC, railway administrations of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan plan to launch a joint venture. In 2023, the route transported 2.1 million tons of cargo, a 4% increase from 2022. The corridor's transport potential is expected to reach between 6 and 10 million tons per year by 2027.

To ensure smooth progress and facilitate transit, the Kazakh prime minister emphasized the need to expedite the modernization of checkpoints on the Kazakh-Russian border. Plans are underway to upgrade 29 out of 30 checkpoints by 2027.