Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R), the acting-Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has been taken China to task regarding the technological threat it poses to the United States' national security, and the espionage or spying it is involved in. The criticism against the Communist regime has culminated in the Florida lawmaker being sanctioned by China.
In response, Rubio continues his critique of the Chinese government just as the United States faces numerous cybersecurity breaches.
This week, reports surfaced that the Department of Homeland Security had been the victim of hacks from Russia. However, the DHS is the third government institution to be compromised following attacks on the Treasury Department and the Commerce Department. Earlier this year, Russia and Iran had even been blamed for foreign intervention ahead of the November 3rd elections, but both countries have maintained their innocence.
As the United States continues to understand the nature of Russia’s hacking attempts, Senator Rubio has brought to light that new reports indicate that China has also attempted to hack United States government agencies.
On Twitter, Rubio announced that “recent reports of Chinese espionage are just the tip of the iceberg.”
He further expressed that “the very first hearing of the Senate Intel Committee next congress must be on China’s efforts to spy on, influence & potentially coerce government officials in the U.S., including members of Congress.”
Recent reports of Chinese espionage are just the tip of the iceberg
The very first hearing of the Senate Intel Committee next congress must be on #China’s efforts to spy on, influence & potentially coerce government officials in the U.S., including members of congress
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 15, 2020
The news also comes during a time when California Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) made headlines over an alleged relationship with a Chinese spy that had infiltrated his inner circle. In turn, many Republicans slammed the former 2020 presidential candidate over his alleged relationship, calling for Swalwell to be removed from the House Intelligence Committee.
With the new information presented this week, lawmakers are now questioning the possibility that China and Russia are working together to infiltrate the United States. Both have a history of antagonizing the United States, and tension will continue to grow as 2021 looms closer.
