Recently, Chinese hackers successfully breached the US government office responsible for reviewing foreign investments for national security risks. This breach, which had not been previously reported, highlights China's interest in spying on a crucial US government office with the authority to block Chinese investments in the US. The targeted office, known as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS), gained increased powers in December to scrutinize real estate transactions near US military bases amid concerns of potential espionage activities.
The hackers infiltrated the Treasury Department's unclassified system as part of a broader cyber incursion. In addition to targeting CFIUS, the hackers also accessed the Treasury's sanctions office, which had recently imposed sanctions on a Chinese company for alleged involvement in cyberattacks. While there is no evidence of classified information being compromised, the stolen unclassified data could potentially provide valuable intelligence to China if pieced together.
US officials are currently assessing the national security implications of the breach and the extent of the information accessed by the hackers. The Treasury Department has emphasized its commitment to cybersecurity and stated that it has collaborated with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident. Despite the breach, there is no evidence to suggest that the hackers still have access to Treasury systems or information.
In response to the hack, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressed concerns about the impact on US-China relations and raised the issue with her Chinese counterpart. The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries, with incoming US administration officials advocating for tougher measures against China over national security concerns.
While China has denied engaging in hacking operations, the breach underscores the ongoing challenges posed by cyber threats in the evolving US-China relationship. As both countries navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, cybersecurity remains a critical area of focus to safeguard national interests and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
