Senator’s bold call to attack China
AUSTRALIA must launch cyber retaliations on China to punish Beijing for its own attacks, a key crossbencher says.
Independent senator Rex Patrick said China must pay “a diplomatic price” for its cyber aggressions, demanding the government adopt an “offensive strategy” towards Beijing.
Senator Patrick demanded the Chinese government be named as a major source of cyber attacks, calling for targeted sanctions against individuals or organisations.
“Without imposing some consequences, there is no reason to dial back what are unquestionably hostile actions against Australia’s national interests,” he said.
Australian Secret Intelligence Organisation chief Mike Burgess in March warned the cyber threat had reached a level “not seen since the height of the Cold War”.
China was widely believed to be the culprit behind a series of cyber attacks on Australia, and Senator Patrick said the federal government “should be prepared to retaliate in kind” by launching retaliations on Chinese stateowned groups.