CHINA has urged the United States to work with it through dialogue and consultation to address cybersecurity risks in Fiji and the Pacific.
The call follows a statement by the US Department of State alleging that hackers with links to China accessed the network of a regional organisation based in Suva over several days between July and August this year.
The US Embassy said it had informed the Fijian Government and the organisation of the suspected network compromise and provided technical recommendations on steps to protect their systems.
In response, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson said China opposed hacking activities and the politicisation of cybersecurity issues, accusing the United States of applying “double standards” and engaging in “political manipulation.”
“China firmly opposes and combats hacking activities in accordance with law and firmly opposes the practice of politicising cybersecurity issues,” the spokesperson said.
“China also firmly opposes spreading disinformation for political agenda and accusing other countries without evidence.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said his office had not received a full briefing on the reported incident.
“I am aware there was a suspected attempt during the pre-COP,” Mr Rabuka said.
“I do not know whether any was actually successful or not. In regard to this specific matter, I have not been briefed fully.”
Mr Rabuka said any investigation into the matter would depend on the Ministry of Communications, which oversees cybersecurity alongside the policing portfolio.
Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua is expected to issue a statement on the matter.
