World

China Cyberattacks: How Beijing’s Hackers Target Australia’s Critical Infrastructure

China-linked hackers probed Aussie networks, says ASIO. Beijing denies sabotage claims, calling it a “false narrative.”

November 12, 2025, 9:09 AM

Unlocked padlock covered with the Australian flag next to a blue sign with the word "HACKED."

A lock bearing the Australian flag is open, next to a sign warning of a digital security breach. By SkazovD / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess warned that Chinese government and military-linked hackers have probed Australia’s telecommunications networks and critical infrastructure, posing a significant risk of economic disruption.

Burgess identified “Salt Typhoon” for penetrating U.S. telecoms and probing Australian networks, and “Volt Typhoon” for compromising U.S. critical infrastructure with intent for sabotage.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed Burgess’s allegations as “false narratives” and “deliberately provoked confrontation,” confirming that Beijing has lodged official complaints with Australia.

The Story So Far

Australia’s intelligence chief, Mike Burgess, is issuing warnings about Chinese government-linked hackers probing the nation’s critical infrastructure and telecommunications networks, citing groups like “Salt Typhoon” and “Volt Typhoon” as actively investigating possibilities for disruption and sabotage. These concerns are amplified by the significant economic cost of espionage and the potential for widespread disruption to essential services. Beijing, however, consistently denies these allegations, characterizing them as “false narratives” and contributing to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Why This Matters

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s warning about Chinese state-linked hackers probing Australian critical infrastructure signals a direct and serious threat of cyber sabotage, potentially leading to widespread economic disruption across vital sectors like banking, transport, and essential services. This ongoing cyber espionage is already costing Australia billions annually in lost intellectual property and trade secrets, further exacerbating escalating tensions between Canberra and Beijing over cybersecurity allegations.

Who Thinks What?

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess believes that hackers linked to the Chinese government and military, specifically “Salt Typhoon” and “Volt Typhoon,” have probed Australia’s telecommunications networks and critical infrastructure, posing a significant risk of economic disruption due to potential cyber sabotage.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismisses Burgess’s claims as “false narratives” that “deliberately provoked confrontation,” denying the allegations of Chinese cyber espionage and threats to Australian infrastructure.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess warned on Wednesday that hackers linked to China’s government and military have probed Australia’s telecommunications networks and critical infrastructure. He cautioned against the significant risk of economic disruption due to potential cyber sabotage, a claim swiftly dismissed by Beijing as a “false narrative.”

Cyber Espionage Allegations

Burgess, speaking at a business conference in Melbourne, highlighted the activities of Chinese hacking groups “Salt Typhoon” and “Volt Typhoon.” He described these groups as operating on behalf of Chinese government intelligence and its military, actively investigating possibilities for disruption.

He cited “Salt Typhoon” for penetrating U.S. telecoms systems in a strategic spying operation and indicated similar probing of Australian telecommunication networks. “Volt Typhoon,” he added, has demonstrated an intent to disrupt operations, having compromised U.S. critical infrastructure in preparation for potential sabotage.

The spy chief emphasized the severe implications of widespread telecoms disruption, which could affect sectors such as banking, transport, and essential services like water and power supplies. He stated these were not hypotheticals, as foreign governments possess elite teams exploring such capabilities.

Economic Impact and Broader Threats

Burgess also noted that espionage cost Australia an estimated A$12.5 billion ($8.1 billion) last year, including A$2 billion in lost trade secrets and intellectual property. He suggested other scenarios could involve crippling Australian companies as trade competitors or causing panic during elections.

China’s Response

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to Burgess’s remarks, stating they “spread false narratives and deliberately provoked confrontation.” Guo confirmed that China had lodged representations with Australia regarding the allegations.

Burgess revealed that Chinese officials frequently lodge complaints with the Australian government and private sector whenever he publicly discusses China, including after a recent speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney last week. He affirmed that such complaints would not deter his resolve.

Ongoing Tensions

The exchange underscores escalating tensions between Australia and China over cybersecurity, with Canberra asserting a direct threat to its critical infrastructure from state-backed actors, while Beijing maintains a firm denial, characterizing the accusations as confrontational.