TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday confirmed US allegations that its website was targeted by Chinese hackers.

The US Department of Justice on Wednesday indicted 12 Chinese hackers for launching cyberattacks against international corporate and government websites, including MOFA. Foreign ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) told CNA that, given the sensitive nature of its operations, it has long been a target of Chinese cyberattacks.

Hsiao said MOFA is aware that its website was targeted. However, a forensic analysis found no evidence of intrusions of its information and communication systems.

Hsiao commented that "China's cyberattacks are despised by the international community” but the US Justice Department's indictments show that Washington is willing to take legal action. Hsiao reaffirmed MOFA's commitment to cooperating with like-minded countries to strengthen a cybersecurity joint defense mechanism.

Hsiao said Chinese hacker organizations have persistently targeted government agencies, critical infrastructure, and financial institutions in democratic countries. In response, Hsiao said the ministry has established a comprehensive cybersecurity defense mechanism and a 24/7, year-round monitoring center to detect anomalies.

In addition, MOFA has developed a cybersecurity intelligence-sharing mechanism with both domestic and foreign government entities. Hsiao said the ministry continues to monitor, track, and block Chinese cyberattacks, while analyzing their patterns and intentions.

Asked whether this case is related to the leak of MOFA documents that were sold on the dark web two years ago, Hsiao said that an investigation found no system vulnerabilities or human errors. He added the ministry has also enhanced its tracing mechanisms to seal potential data leakage points.