China accused of hacking U.S. congressional staff emails in Salt Typhoon cyber campaign
2026-01-08 01:40:00
Summary:
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China allegedly hacked emails of U.S. congressional staff
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Targeted committees include China, intelligence, defence and foreign affairs
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Linked to cyber campaign known as “Salt Typhoon”
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U.S. officials warn of risks to critical infrastructure
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Incident adds strain to already tense U.S.–China relations
U.S. concerns over Chinese cyber espionage intensified today following reports that email systems used by congressional staff on several of the most powerful committees in the House of Representatives were compromised as part of a broad hacking campaign known as “Salt Typhoon.”
According to reporting by the Financial Times, individuals familiar with the matter said China accessed email systems used by staffers working for the House China committee, as well as aides linked to the foreign affairs, intelligence, and armed services committees. While Reuters said it could not independently verify the report, the alleged breach has added urgency to Washington’s already heightened focus on cyber security risks tied to U.S.–China strategic competition.
Salt Typhoon has emerged as a central concern for U.S. cyber and national security officials, not only because of its scope but also due to its suspected objectives. Officials allege the campaign goes beyond traditional intelligence gathering and may involve pre-positioning access within sensitive systems that could be exploited to disrupt or paralyse U.S. critical infrastructure in the event of a future conflict with China. That assessment marks a shift from espionage toward potential battlefield preparation in cyberspace.
Beijing has repeatedly denied involvement in the alleged intrusions, consistent with its past responses to U.S. accusations of state-sponsored hacking. The White House offered no immediate comment on the latest report, though U.S. agencies have previously warned that cyber threats now represent a core pillar of strategic rivalry with China.
The targeting of congressional staff, rather than elected lawmakers, highlights a growing recognition among intelligence services that policy development, legislative strategy and internal communications are often concentrated at the staff level. Access to such systems could offer insights into U.S. legislative priorities, defence planning, sanctions strategy and diplomatic positioning.
The episode is likely to reinforce bipartisan momentum in Washington for tougher cyber defences, expanded oversight of digital infrastructure, and closer coordination with allies facing similar threats. It may also further complicate already strained U.S.–China relations, adding another friction point alongside trade, technology controls, Taiwan and military posture in the Indo-Pacific.
