China hacks US Congressional Committee email systems as part of Salt Typhoon espionage: FT

The campaign has compromised US communications and poses ongoing threats to national security.

US officials say the Ministry of State Security, the Chinese intelligence service, accessed email systems used by congressional staff on powerful House committees, including those overseeing China policy, foreign affairs, intelligence, and defense, according to the Financial Times.

The intrusions are part of Salt Typhoon, a long-running MSS cyber-operation that reportedly enables China to monitor US telecommunications and, in some cases, email.

Although sanctions were considered against Beijing last year, they were shelved amid diplomatic concerns.

Chinese officials rejected the claims as politically motivated.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Vivian Nguyen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

China hacks US Congressional Committee email systems as part of Salt Typhoon espionage: FT

The campaign has compromised US communications and poses ongoing threats to national security.

by Vivian Nguyen

Jan. 7, 2026

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Photo: Abby Yan

The intrusions are part of Salt Typhoon, a long-running MSS cyber-operation that reportedly enables China to monitor US telecommunications and, in some cases, email.

Although sanctions were considered against Beijing last year, they were shelved amid diplomatic concerns.

Chinese officials rejected the claims as politically motivated.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Vivian Nguyen. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

China hacks US Congressional Committee email systems as part of Salt Typhoon espionage: FT

China hacks US Congressional Committee email systems as part of Salt Typhoon espionage: FT

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