TNO’s report highlights the risks posed by embedding Chinese components in Europe’s critical energy infrastructure. Chinese companies, by law, must cooperate with state intelligence agencies if required, making even private firms subject to Beijing’s geopolitical aims.
The report warns that Chinese equipment and software could have vulnerabilities—either deliberately introduced or inadvertently present—that state actors might exploit. Reliance on Chinese suppliers for updates, maintenance, and technical support creates additional entry points for potential cyberattacks.
“Embedding complex Chinese products into energy systems hands the Chinese state greater opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities and execute attacks at a later point,” the report stated. If tensions escalate, particularly in the event of a conflict over Taiwan, Beijing could leverage its foothold in European infrastructure to deter the EU from supporting U.S.-led sanctions.