China are the real hackers not us, Taiwan says after cyber accusations

Democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, frequently complains

China are the real hackers not Taiwan and accusations from Beijing of a Taiwanese hacking group are fake news, senior government officials said in Taipei on Tuesday (Sep 24).

China's national security ministry said on Monday a Taiwan military-backed hacking group called Anonymous 64 has been carrying out cyberattacks against targets in China, urging people to report "anti-propaganda sabotage".

It also named three Taiwanese it said were part of the group and published their pictures.

Democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, frequently complains it is a victim of Chinese hacking and disinformation, but it is rare for Beijing to turn the tables and make the accusation back at Taipei.

Speaking to reporters at parliament, Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo said it was China who was the main hacker around the globe.

"China is the first country when it comes to daily cyber attacks, doing it against Taiwan and countries with similar democratic ideals. They are the real originators," he said.

China's accusations are untrue, Koo added.