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Koror, Palau — Palau President Soulanger Whipps accused China of a “massive cyber attack” on his government, saying it was a strategy to weaken its relations with Taiwan and the United States.
HPS said the attack took place in March, just after Palau signed a new security agreement with the U.S., and resulted in the theft of more than 20,000 government documents. The stolen data then appeared on the dark web, according to the New York Times.
Although a ransomware group claimed responsibility, Whipps pointed to the lack of a financial demand and the data’s focus on Palau’s ties to Taiwan and the U.S. as evidence of Chinese involvement. He called the attack “harassment” and a violation of Palau’s sovereignty.
China’s Foreign Ministry denied any involvement and reiterated its opposition to cyber attacks.
The incident prompted Taiwan, Japan and the United States to offer assistance to bolster Palau’s cybersecurity.
The cyberattack comes amid heightened tensions in the Pacific region following the recent renewal of the Compact of Free Association between the United States and three Micronesian nations, including Palau, solidifying U.S. influence in the strategically important region.
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