China-linked hackers hit Fiji: US embassy

On Tuesday, the US embassy in Fiji warned that Chinese-linked hackers had compromised a regional organization in the Pacific nation's capital, Suva. The hackers maintained access to the affected organization's network over several days. The government buildings in Suva were also targeted. Ioane Naivalurua, Fiji's minister for policing and communications, stated that police were reviewing the situation and urged all governments, organizations, and the private sector to harden the security of their digital systems.

China's foreign ministry denied the hacking claims, stating it was not aware of the case and firmly opposes hacking activities. They also opposed using cybersecurity issues to smear China.

Fiji's government had requested evidence from the US last week regarding a Chinese state agency employee living in Fiji allegedly paying bribes on behalf of Beijing. The US State Department accused the individual of significant corruption and highlighted an FBI action in August to combat China-sponsored hackers targeting critical infrastructure in the United States.

The US embassy pointed out that China-linked hackers were also targeting foreign governments, organizations, and telecommunications networks across the Pacific Islands region. The Pacific Islands Forum, a political bloc, clarified that its own organization was not affected by the hack but emphasized the increasing importance of cybersecurity for the Pacific region, given its economic resilience, national sovereignty, regional security, and the wellbeing of its communities.