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Will the attack be able to change the balance of power in the region?
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat has been subjected to a cyberattack by alleged Chinese government hackers. According to Australian media, in February 2024, facts of penetration into the PIF networks were revealed, which led to the leak of information about the activities of the forum and its communications with participating states.
According to ABC News, which first reported on the cyberattack, the Australian government promptly sent cybersecurity experts to the Fijian capital, Suva, to investigate the incident.
The PIF confirmed the fact of a cyberattack, but the investigation has not yet been completed. It is not yet possible to determine the source of the attack, although the Australian side already suspects China. Beijing officially denied the accusations, calling them baseless.
The incident escalated the situation against the backdrop of the recent PIF summit, during which the Chinese delegation actively protested against the mention of Taiwan in the forum's communiqué. Taiwan has been labeled a "developing partner", angering Beijing, which does not recognize Taiwan's independence and continues to push for its reunification with mainland China, even to the point of using military force.
The cyberattack was identified a few months before the forum and, according to Australian sources, was extensive. The attack was reported to PIF member states, but there was no public disclosure of details and no official indictment of China.
The incident comes amid China's growing activity in the Pacific region. In 2022, Beijing tried to conclude trade and defense agreements with 10 island nations, but failed. However, already in April of the same year, an unexpected agreement was signed with the Solomon Islands, which caused concern in Australia, especially in light of the possible deployment of a Chinese military base just 2000 km from the coast of the country. Despite assurances from Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare that a Chinese base would not be established, the agreement raised concerns about China's growing influence in the region.
Against this background, Australia continues to strengthen its presence in the field of cybersecurity and defense. The country has signed a cybersecurity agreement with Vanuatu, underlining its commitment to transparency and democratic principles. Australian specialists have already helped neighboring countries with cybersecurity issues several times this year, although many such missions have not been advertised.
Source
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat has been subjected to a cyberattack by alleged Chinese government hackers. According to Australian media, in February 2024, facts of penetration into the PIF networks were revealed, which led to the leak of information about the activities of the forum and its communications with participating states.
According to ABC News, which first reported on the cyberattack, the Australian government promptly sent cybersecurity experts to the Fijian capital, Suva, to investigate the incident.
The PIF confirmed the fact of a cyberattack, but the investigation has not yet been completed. It is not yet possible to determine the source of the attack, although the Australian side already suspects China. Beijing officially denied the accusations, calling them baseless.
The incident escalated the situation against the backdrop of the recent PIF summit, during which the Chinese delegation actively protested against the mention of Taiwan in the forum's communiqué. Taiwan has been labeled a "developing partner", angering Beijing, which does not recognize Taiwan's independence and continues to push for its reunification with mainland China, even to the point of using military force.
The cyberattack was identified a few months before the forum and, according to Australian sources, was extensive. The attack was reported to PIF member states, but there was no public disclosure of details and no official indictment of China.
The incident comes amid China's growing activity in the Pacific region. In 2022, Beijing tried to conclude trade and defense agreements with 10 island nations, but failed. However, already in April of the same year, an unexpected agreement was signed with the Solomon Islands, which caused concern in Australia, especially in light of the possible deployment of a Chinese military base just 2000 km from the coast of the country. Despite assurances from Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare that a Chinese base would not be established, the agreement raised concerns about China's growing influence in the region.
Against this background, Australia continues to strengthen its presence in the field of cybersecurity and defense. The country has signed a cybersecurity agreement with Vanuatu, underlining its commitment to transparency and democratic principles. Australian specialists have already helped neighboring countries with cybersecurity issues several times this year, although many such missions have not been advertised.
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