Chinese-linked hackers infiltrated a Pacific regional network, US embassy reports

US officials in Fiji disclosed that a network belonging to an unnamed regional organization was compromised by hackers tied to China between July and August 2026. The breach was sustained for multiple days, prompting the embassy to alert both the Fijian government and the organization while providing recommendations for network hardening. The diplomatic mission, which also serves Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu, did not name the victim.

This alert comes after the US Department of Justice recently confiscated seven internet domains used by groups accused of collaborating with a Chinese IT firm to target critical infrastructure. Additionally, cybersecurity firm Proofpoint reported that Chinese actors have been masquerading as artificial-intelligence specialists to pilfer passwords from think tanks, universities and law firms since at least 2025.