Western intelligence agencies have issued a rare joint advisory warning of an increasing threat from Chinese surveillance tools targeting activists, journalists, and minorities.
The warning, released Tuesday and signed by cybersecurity authorities from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, highlights spyware allegedly linked to China’s Ministry of Public Security.
According to the advisory, the malicious tools were developed by a Chengdu-based contractor, Sichuan Dianke Network Security Technology Co., and include two known malware packages: BADBAZAAR and MOONSHINE. The software reportedly enables remote access to mobile phone cameras, microphones, and location data.
The primary targets include individuals and organisations connected to Taiwanese independence, Tibetan rights, Uyghur Muslims, the Falun Gong movement, Hong Kong democracy campaigns, and other groups considered sensitive by the Chinese government.
Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said the spyware was being distributed through malicious apps, warning that “infections could spread beyond intended victims” due to the indiscriminate nature of the malware.
The advisory builds on earlier cybersecurity research and a January 29 report by Intelligence Online that connected the malware to China's internal security apparatus.
Tensions surrounding Taiwan and China’s regional posture have been growing. On April 1, China conducted new military drills around Taiwan. Days earlier, on March 28, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deterring Chinese aggression during a visit to the Philippines.
The Chinese embassy has not responded to requests for comment.
The FBI, NSA, and allied cybersecurity agencies participated in the advisory, underscoring the level of concern among Western governments over Beijing’s expanding cyber capabilities.
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France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
Romania’s far-right presidential frontrunner George Simion said the country should be compensated for aiding Ukraine, as he clashed with centrist rival Nicusor Dan in a televised debate ahead of the decisive run-off vote.
India has proposed a steep reduction in average tariffs on U.S. goods - from nearly 13% to under 4% - in a strategic move to secure exemption from current and future tariff hikes under President Donald Trump, according to Indian officials familiar with the talks.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare public visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang alongside his daughter on Friday, joining in celebrations for Victory Day and reaffirming his commitment to deepening the strategic alliance between North Korea and Russia.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
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Romania’s far-right presidential frontrunner George Simion said the country should be compensated for aiding Ukraine, as he clashed with centrist rival Nicusor Dan in a televised debate ahead of the decisive run-off vote.
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