Asio accuses Chinese hackers of seeking access to Australia’s criticial infrastructure
Guardian20 hrs
Australia Spy Chief Says China’s Cyber Soldiers Could Inflict ‘High-Impact Sabotage’
Above: Mike Burgess during the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Summit in Melbourne, on Nov. 12, 2025. Image copyright: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
Chinese hackers are actively probing Australia's critical infrastructure with devastating intent. Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon groups have already penetrated telecommunications networks and positioned for sabotage that could turn off power during heatwaves or poison drinking water. The government's refusal to acknowledge this $12.5 billion threat puts national security at serious risk.
Pro-China narrative
Australia manufactures China threats to justify massive defense spending and AUKUS expansion. China has zero motive to disrupt trade routes it depends on for its own economy. The real security risks come from Australia's confrontational military deployments and nuclear submarine project that destabilizes regional balance while bilateral relations actually improve with record trade levels.