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Espionage

Espionage
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Espionage. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
China’s outbound travel has rebounded substantially in the last two years from the low levels during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: EPA-EFE
China’s Communist Party

China’s anti-spy agency urges travellers to guard state secrets during holiday

As Lunar New Year approaches, anti-espionage authority warns Chinese tourists that foreign agents could try to steal sensitive data.

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The Philippines

Philippines ‘blindsided’ by mounting security woes amid fresh espionage claims

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The Philippines

Philippines’ arrest of Chinese ‘sleeper agent’ sparks fears of widespread spying

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US-China relations

TikTok sell-or-ban law is upheld by US Supreme Court

High court rules that law requiring ByteDance to sell video-sharing app to non-Chinese buyer or face US ban starting Sunday is constitutional.

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The US Supreme Court has ruled that a law forcing the sale or ban of TikTok is constitutional. Photo illustration: Reuters
US-China relations

Chinese hackers accessed Yellen’s computer in US Treasury breach

Fewer than 50 files on Yellen’s machine were accessed by attackers, who failed to penetrate the department’s email or classified systems.

US-China relations

CIA director nominee vows to increase focus on China and emerging technologies

John Ratcliffe would be one of the few national security officials from the first Trump administration to join the second.

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China’s Communist Party

China’s state security forces given new powers to oversee key building projects

New rules allowing greater oversight of works on government and military sites follow repeated warnings about spies targeting key facilities.

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The state security ministry will supervise work on sensitive government and military buildings. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Sullivan urges Trump team to focus on China cyber threats

National security adviser’s message follows a series of high-profile attacks against US agencies and companies.

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US-China relations

At US Supreme Court, TikTok’s pleas to honour free speech met with scepticism

But observers split on whether a ‘dark day’ for 170 million American users looms or a preliminary injunction to delay the ruling is coming.

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United States

Havana Syndrome: US finds no foreign link, but 2 agencies say it’s possible

The findings represent a ‘shift in key judgments’ showing the need for more investigation, a US National Security Council spokesman says.

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Cubans drive past the US embassy in Havana in March 2021. US embassy personnel in the city were the first to raise concerns, which later led the series of health effects to be dubbed “Havana Syndrome”. Photo: AFP
Defence

China catches foreign spy taking photos of island military site: report

The overseas operative and an assistant intended to gather intelligence on coastal facilities, state broadcaster reports.

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Since launching a social media account in August, 2023, the ministry has warned frequently about what it says are threats to national security. Photo: Handout
Germany

Germany charges 3 with spying on naval tech for China

They allegedly gathered information on boat engines, sonar, drones and other technologies and illegally exported specialised lasers to China.

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US-China relations

White House rushes to finish cybersecurity order after China hacks

The executive order will incorporate lessons from recent breaches, including the recent US Treasury hack attributed to Silk Typhoon.

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Japan

Japan links 200 cyberattacks to Chinese group targeting national security

The attacks, which targeted government agencies, businesses, and individuals, aimed to steal sensitive information on defence, space, and advanced technology.

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Japan has accused a Chinese hacking group, MirrorFace, of targeting its national security and high-tech data with over 200 cyberattacks since 2019. Photo: Reuters
Russia

Finland bars tanker suspected of cutting Baltic Sea cables from sailing

The Eagle S, thought to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” was detained in December following suspected sabotage.

An alleged Russian “shadow fleet” tanker suspected of damaging Baltic Sea cables has been found unseaworthy. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

No indication Treasury breach affected other federal agencies: US cyber watchdog

Last month Treasury reported a number of computers had been compromised by Chinese hackers.

US-China relations

US sanctions Chinese cyber firm for alleged role in Beijing-sponsored hacks

Treasury Department accuses Integrity Tech of involvement in ‘multiple computer intrusion incidents’ linked to Flax Typhoon hacking group.

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US-China relations

China denies it was behind US Treasury hack

Beijing says claims a Chinese state-sponsored actor was behind the cybersecurity breach are ‘groundless’ and ‘lack evidence’.

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The US Treasury Department building in Washington. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

New US cybersecurity measures follow alleged China-backed Salt Typhoon campaign

Steps include enhanced guidance for securing networks and strengthened requirements for healthcare data protection.

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United States

Editorial | US drones hysteria calls for calm heads

Despite clear explanations, mysterious sightings over New Jersey have been linked to China and even an Iranian mother ship.

Nordic nations

Finland investigates outage of undersea power link to Estonia

‘The possibility of sabotage cannot be ruled out,’ Fingrid control room manager Arto Pahki said.

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Finnish guard ship Turvan on duty in the southern Baltic Sea. Photo: EPA-EFE
United States

Saturday Night Live takes on New Jersey’s ‘mystery drones’ in Bowen Yang skit

Show’s first Chinese-American comedian appeared in skit as part of SNL’s final episode of 2024, a nod to mysterious drone sightings in US.

Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang. Photo: Getty Images / TNS
Nordic nations

Sweden says China denied request to probe ship linked to cut undersea cables

Sweden’s assertion contradicts Beijing’s earlier promise of ‘cooperation’.

China’s Communist Party

China’s security ministry says foreign spies slander revolutionary heroes online

Overseas intelligence agencies are ‘flooding online comment sections with unofficial and fake history’, ministry says.

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Japan

Japanese ‘trainspotters’ detained in Belarus for spying spark tensions

One expert believes the arrests highlight Belarus’s paranoia near its border with Ukraine.

Cargo containers on freight train in Minsk, Belarus. Photo: Shutterstock Images
US-China relations

Opinion | US-China science pact renewal a ray of hope amid techno-nationalism

The pact sustains targeted collaboration, but it also risks reinforcing emerging scientific blocs, potentially reshaping the global research landscape.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-China relations

US investigates China’s TP-Link, maker of Wi-fi routers, after cyberattacks

Security concerns over a network equipment manufacturer that controls more than 60 per cent of the US market for home internet routers.

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United States

US bans drone flights over parts of New Jersey, New York after mystery sightings

A frenzy of concern about drones is prompting people to point lasers at planes flying overhead, which is illegal and can be dangerous.

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