US Accuses China-Linked Hackers of Breaching Fiji-Based Regional Organization
The US Embassy in Fiji revealed that attackers linked to China infiltrated the network of a regional group based in Suva, Fiji, during July and August. The embassy, which also oversees Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu, did not disclose the identity of the targeted organization or specific data accessed by the hackers.
In a subsequent statement, the embassy highlighted a disturbing trend: Chinese state-sponsored hackers are targeting governments, international bodies, and telecom networks across the Pacific Islands. The embassy claimed that this activity provides Chinese spy agencies with insights into private discussions between Pacific Island countries, reinforcing the US stance on China's constant online threats.
This incident, along with recent similar cases, has prompted concerns about crime, corruption, and foreign influence in the region. As a response, the US and Palau will co-chair a new meeting of Pacific police ministers to address issues like sea security, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and illegal finance.
Christopher Landau, US deputy secretary of state, emphasized collaboration with sovereign nations:
"When the United States works with sovereign nations to protect fish stocks, train law enforcement, or build infrastructure, we do so as true partners."
This warning follows other recent incidents linked to China, including the seizure of web domains by the US Justice Department and a botnet attack on routers and devices.