China has responded to claims that it was responsible for a hack on Microsoft’s email software
China has lashed out at Australia, accusing the nation of ‘hypocrisy over the Federal Government’s accusation that the communist nation was responsible for a major hack on Microsoft email software.
In a statement from the Chinese Embassy, China firmly rejected the “groundless” accusations made by the Australian government on cyber issues, following the steps and parroting the rhetoric of the US.
Australia along with the US’s Biden Administration has pointed fingers at China over the hacking, stating that China’s Ministry of State Security is responsible for the cyber attack.
China’s embassy in Canberra, Australia issued a statement declaring the accusation was ‘false’:
“It is the world champion of malicious cyber attacks. Australia also has a poor record, including monitoring the mobile phone of the president of its biggest neighbor country, not to mention acting as an accomplice for the US’ eavesdropping activities under the framework of Five Eyes alliance.
“What the Australian government has done is extremely hypocritical, like a thief crying “stop the thief”.”
“As a victim of cyber attacks, China always firmly opposes cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms and calls on countries to advance dialogue and cooperation to safeguard cybersecurity. China put forward the Global Initiative on Data Security last September, and hopes that all countries will respond positively to jointly foster a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace if they genuinely care about cybersecurity.”
President Biden and the White House has also blamed China.
The Biden administration also blamed China for the hack
The hack compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world earlier this year. The administration and allied nations have also disclosed a broad range of other cyberthreats from Beijing.
Of those threats includes ransomware attacks from government-affiliated hackers that have targeted companies with demands for millions of dollars.
According to a senior Biden administration official, hackers affiliated with China’s Ministry of State Security conducted the operation, which took advantage of security flaws in Microsoft Exchange Server software – or Microsoft’s email software.
Anthony Lucas is reporter, presenter and social media producer with ticker News. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Professional Communication, with a major in Journalism from RMIT University as well as a Diploma of Arts and Entertainment journalism from Collarts. He’s previously worked for 9 News, ONE FM Radio and Southern Cross Austerio’s Hit Radio Network.
Uri Berliner, a senior editor at National Public Radio (NPR), has resigned from the organisation after publicly criticising its coverage and denouncing the new CEO as “divisive.”
His departure marks the culmination of a contentious episode that underscores the challenges media outlets face in managing internal dissent.
Berliner’s departure was prompted by his decision to publish a lengthy critique of NPR in the Free Press, a media outlet separate from NPR, violating NPR’s policy against staff publishing work for other outlets without permission.
His critique, spanning 3,000 words, delved into perceived shortcomings within NPR’s coverage.
In response to his breach of policy, Berliner faced a five-day suspension without pay.
Resignation letter
However, he opted to resign instead, posting his resignation letter on an unspecified platform, where he specifically pointed to the new CEO’s allegedly divisive views as a factor in his decision.
Berliner’s public criticism and subsequent resignation highlight the tension between journalistic integrity, organisational policies, and freedom of expression within media institutions.
His actions raise questions about the balance between internal dissent and organisational loyalty, as well as the role of leadership in fostering an environment conducive to constructive criticism.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by media organisations in navigating internal dissent and maintaining cohesion amid diverging perspectives.
Berliner’s departure serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in managing editorial independence and organisational cohesion within newsrooms.
Efforts to end wars in the Middle East and Ukraine will dominate this week’s meeting of Group of Seven foreign ministers, host Italy’s top diplomat Antonio Tajani said.
Gathering on the picturesque island of Capri from April 17-19, the ministers from major Western powers will present a united front in demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and a de-escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran.
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The ministers from the United States, Italy, Germany, Japan, France, Britain and Canada will also reiterate full backing for Ukraine in its two-year war against a more powerful Russia.
“It is not easy in this moment. But I think diplomacy is crucial,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Reuters ahead of the three-day gathering that he will chair. “Our international position is very clear … We are united. This is crucial.”
But having a unified position has not been enough to bring peace either to Ukraine or the Middle East.
The Israelis have resisted repeated calls to halt their Gaza offensive, while in Ukraine the momentum on the battlefield has shifted in Russia’s favour, with the West seemingly incapable of providing Kyiv with the weaponry it desperately needs.
Tajani said it was crucial for Ukraine to keep the Russians at bay, adding that both the head of NATO Jens Stoltenberg and the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba would be in Capri to discuss the conflict.
“If there is a defeat of Ukraine, it’s impossible to achieve an agreement. Defeat is not a good bridge for peace.
For this we need to back Ukraine. But the final goal is peace. Peace with justice. Justice, Russia, outside Ukraine,” Tajani said, speaking in English.