CHINA BLAMED FOR CYBERATTACKS, SOURCES SAY

SYDNEY Australia views China as the chief suspect in a spate of cyberattacks of increasing frequency in recent months, three sources familiar with the government’s thinking told Reuters on Friday, a suggestion swiftly dismissed by Beijing.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a “sophisticated state-based actor” had spent months trying to hack all levels of the government, political bodies, essential service providers and operators of critical infrastructure.

Three sources briefed on the matter said Australia believed China is responsible, however. “There is a high degree of confidence that China is behind the attacks,” one Australian government source said.