Chinese claimed behind closed doors, PRC played role in US cyberattacks: Report

At a closed-door meeting in December, Chinese officials reportedly admitted to being behind a series of cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The attacks targeted ports, airports, utilities, and other critical targets in the U.S. The revelation comes amidst ongoing trade tensions between the two countries, with President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, which were reciprocated by President Xi Jinping.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Chinese officials linked the cyberattacks to America’s support for Taiwan. The campaign, known as Volt Typhoon, was blamed on a criminal organization by Chinese counterparts during a summit in Geneva attended by Biden administration officials. However, the U.S. was quick to refute these claims, stating that the attacks were orchestrated by the Chinese government.

The White House and State Department have not issued any official comments on the matter. The Chinese Embassy, on the other hand, vehemently denied the accusations, stating that the U.S. was spreading false information without any factual basis. The Embassy spokesperson emphasized the complexity of tracing cyberattacks in the virtual realm and urged all parties to base their conclusions on concrete evidence.

In a separate development, the Biden administration warned state leaders in March 2024 about potential cyberattacks on water systems by hackers linked to Iran and China. The attacks targeted water and wastewater systems across the U.S., posing a significant threat to clean drinking water supplies. The Biden administration highlighted the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to prevent such attacks and protect critical infrastructure.

The FBI also uncovered Chinese government-sponsored cyber-espionage targeting U.S. telecommunications networks. The hackers gained access to customer call records and private communications of individuals involved in government and politics. At least eight U.S. telecom companies were affected by the hacking spree, which was believed to have started a year or two ago.

The revelations of Chinese cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure have raised concerns about the growing threat of cyber warfare between the two countries. As tensions escalate on multiple fronts, including trade and cybersecurity, both nations must work towards de-escalation and cooperation to prevent further escalation of hostilities in cyberspace.