7 Chinese APT31 Hackers Charged, Increasing Tensions In Indo-Pacific Region

US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John Aquilino responds to reports that a U.S. Special Operations unit is operating on a Taiwanese island training forces.

US/ASIA - Seven hackers associated with the People's Republic of China (PRC) government that targeted U.S. and foreign critics, businesses, and political officials have been charged with computer intrusion.

US Military May Build Port On Philippine Island Close To Taiwan

US, Australia Carry Out Joint Patrols/Exercises with Philippines, Chinese Jets Shadow Aircraft During Patrols

Chinese Destroyer Sonar Pulses Injure Australian Navy Divers

Japan: Chinese Naval, Air Forces Expanding And Intensifying Activities Around Japan

In the Indo-Pacific region, tensions between China and other Indo-Pacific territories such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines continue to heat up as China increases its air force and naval activity around the island of Taiwan, and enforces its internationally unrecognized 9-dash line (called the 11-dash line by Taiwan) which declares regionally contested waters as Chinese territory.

Furthermore, there were reports of Chinese Defense Minister Kuo-Cheng hinting toward acknowledging the presence of a U.S. Special Operations unit operating on a Taiwanese island training forces as tensions in the region continue to heat up.

There were also reports as early as 2021 stating that U.S. troops had been deployed in Taiwan for at least a year prior “secretly training local forces” according to the Wall Street Journal in 2021.

Despite these reports, US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John Aquilino made a statement saying that there are no U.S. special forces permanently stationed in Kinmen County, the county reported to have US special forces stationed.

Aquilino did say, however, that there are "absolutely" plans to set up a "Home Guard" in Taiwan.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a Home Guard is a "force organized often on a volunteer basis for local defense or home protection especially when the regular army is in a combat area".

APT31 Hackers Indictment, Overview Of Current Tensions In Indo-Pacific Region

Index:

1. APT31 Hackers Indictment

2. Chinese, Russian Air/Naval Forces Continually Spotted Around Japanese Islands Raises Alarm, Cause “Grave Concern”

3. China’s “Grey Zone” Warfare Around Taiwan, Philippines And The Indo-Pacific Region In General

4. After Taiwan’s Defense Minister Hints Towards US Boots On The Ground, INDOPACOM Commander Denies Presence

5. Tensions Between China And The Philippines Over Disputed Territories

6. China’s Interference Of Philippine Resupply Missions

7. Water Cannon Attack By China Damages Philippine Resupply Boat

8. China “Urges Philippines To Immediately Stop Infringing On Its Sovereignty”

9. Chinese Military Statement: China urges Philippines to stop all intrusions at Ren'ai Reef

10. U.S. Support for the Philippines in the South China Sea

11. Spratly Islands: CIA World Factbook Information

APT31 Hackers Indictment: