UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has accused Chinese state actors of cyberattacks on UK MPs and the Electoral Commission.

A UK government report identified a Chinese state-backed group, APT31, as responsible for compromising data of 40 million UK voters.

Sanctions have been imposed by the US and UK on individuals and a company linked to APT31, and the US has sanctioned Chinese government hackers targeting critical infrastructure.

The US Department of Justice indicted two Chinese nationals and five other hackers for conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and wire fraud.

The UK has sanctioned the same Chinese hackers for attacks on its democratic institutions and elections agency.

These cyber incidents have heightened tensions and signify an end to the 'golden era' of US-UK-China relations, with concerns over Chinese interference in the UK's democracy.

Emergence of generative AI could lead to more advanced methods of misinformation and voter influence.

The UK government pledges to take decisive actions against Chinese threats and plans to publish new guidance to protect electoral systems.