The Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) fell victim to a cyberattack, allegedly carried out by Chinese government hackers. In February 2024, reports emerged revealing that the PIF network had been breached, leading to the exposure of information regarding the forum’s activities and communications with member states.
ABC News was the first to report on the cyberattacks, prompting the Australian government to dispatch cybersecurity specialists to Suva, the capital of Fiji, to investigate the incident.
PIF confirmed the cyberattack, but the investigation is still ongoing. The source of the attack has not been definitively identified, although suspicions have been raised against China. Beijing has refuted these accusations, deeming them unfounded.
The incident occurred in the wake of the recent PIF summit, where the Chinese delegation strongly objected to the reference made to Taiwan in the forum’s communiqué. Taiwan was labeled as a “developing partner,” inciting displeasure from Beijing, which maintains its stance against Taiwan’s autonomy and advocates for its reunification with mainland China, even by force if necessary.
The cyberattack was detected a few months prior to the forum and was described as substantial by Australian sources. Member states of PIF were informed about the attack, but specific details and formal accusations against China have not been disclosed publicly.
This incident unfolds amidst China’s increasing presence in the Pacific region. In 2022, Beijing made unsuccessful attempts to establish trade and defense agreements with ten island nations. However, an unexpected agreement with the Solomon Islands in April of the same year raised concerns in Australia, particularly regarding the potential establishment of a Chinese military base just 2000 kilometers off the Australian coast. Despite reassurances from Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, about the non-existence of a Chinese base, apprehensions persist regarding the expanding Chinese influence in the area.
Meanwhile, Australia is intensifying its cybersecurity and defense initiatives. A cybersecurity agreement with Vanuatu was recently signed, underscoring Australia’s adherence to transparency and democratic values. Throughout this year, Australian experts have provided cybersecurity assistance to neighboring countries, albeit without much fanfare.