Latest news with #Chinese-sponsored
South China Morning Post
06-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Chinese upgrades to Cambodia's Ream Naval Base ‘aimed at de-risking supply chains'
The completion of Chinese-sponsored upgrades to a naval base in Cambodia is part of Beijing's bigger plan to break maritime chokepoints and de-risk supply chains, according to a Hong Kong-based analyst. Advertisement Chinese and Cambodian officials, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), attended a ceremony at the Ream Naval Base to launch the new facilities on Saturday. The upgrades include a joint logistics and training centre and a 650-metre (2,130-foot) pier that can handle big warships such as aircraft carriers – vessels that Cambodia's navy does not have. The Chinese defence ministry said the facility was designed to 'strengthen practical military cooperation' – supporting regional counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The ministry added that it 'does not target any third party' – an apparent reference to US concerns about potential exclusive PLA access to the site. 02:04 China helps upgrade Cambodian naval base, as nations dismiss Western fears about Beijing's plans China helps upgrade Cambodian naval base, as nations dismiss Western fears about Beijing's plans Brian Wong, a fellow at the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong, said the facility reflected Beijing's strategic efforts to diversify regional maritime access as part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative.
Saudi Gazette
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
US charges Chinese hackers who targeted dissidents
WASHINGTON — US prosecutors have charged 12 Chinese nationals for being part of an alleged hacking scheme, which sold data of US-based dissidents to the Chinese government. The "state-sponsored" operation also targeted government agencies including the Treasury, according to the Justice Department (DOJ). Hackers also allegedly targeted an American religious organization, and a newspaper in Hong Kong, the statement added. China has not responded to these specific allegations, but has strongly denied other accusations in the past. In December, the Treasury Department reported a "major" breach by Chinese-sponsored hackers, saying they were able to access employee workstations and some unclassified documents. At that time, China denied any involvement, calling the accusation "baseless" and saying it "consistently opposes all forms of hacking".It is unclear when the latest DOJ charges were issued — but they were unsealed in a federal court in Manhattan on the individuals charged were two officers of China's Ministry of Public DOJ said that hackers, which appeared to represent a private company, i-Soon, charged Chinese agencies between $10,000 and $75,000 for each "exploited" email allegedly "conducted computer intrusions" under the direction of Chinese ministries and on their own initiative, and were "paid handsomely for stolen data"."Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide," said Sue J Bai, who heads the DOJ's National Security Division."We will continue to fight to dismantle this ecosystem of cyber mercenaries and protect our national security," she further details on the targeted US-based dissidents were religious organization hit by hackers was described as one which "previously sent missionaries to China and was openly critical of the PRC government". PRC is short for the People's Republic of China.A Hong Kong newspaper was also on the list. While it was not named, the statement said that it was "considered as being opposed to the PRC government".Besides US agencies, hackers were said to have targeted the foreign ministries of Taiwan, India, South Korea and October, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said hacks targeting two major US presidential campaigns were carried out by "actors affiliated with the People's Republic of China".Earlier last year, seven Chinese nationals were charged with running a hacking operation that lasted at least 14 years and targeted foreign critics of linked by Western governments to China have also targeted the UK's Electoral Commission, and the UK and New Zealand parliaments. — BBC
