China trying to hack vaccine research, US claims

The US intelligence officials alleged Chinese hackers, linked to their government, are trying to steal research data on developing a vaccine against coronavirus, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reported on Monday.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation and cybersecurity experts came up with the allegation.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are planning to release a warning about the Chinese hacking as governments and private firms race to develop a vaccine for Covid-19.

The hackers are also targeting information and intellectual property on treatments and testing for Covid-19.
US officials alleged that the hackers are linked to the Chinese government, the reports say.

The official warning could come within days.

In Beijing, Foreign Affairs ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian rejected the allegation, saying China firmly opposes all cyber attacks.

"We are leading the world in Covid-19 treatment and vaccine research. It is immoral to target China with rumours and slanders in the absence of any evidence," Zhao said.

Asked about the reports, President Donald Trump did not confirm them, but said: "What else is new with China? What else is new? Tell me. I'm not happy with China."

"We're watching it very closely," he added.

A US warning would add to a series of alerts and reports accusing government-backed hackers in Iran, North Korea, Russia and China of malicious activity related to the pandemic, from pumping out false news to targeting workers and scientists.

(Source: CNA/NDTV)

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