Hacking incidents ignite fears over China

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A string of cyberattacks on major US media outlets like the New York Times has intensified worries over Chinese hackers, who analysts say are probably linked to the secretive Beijing government.

The attacks, part of a series of incidents traced to Chinese servers associated with previous intrusions, underscore an urgent need for Washington to pressure Beijing to rein in its digital warriors, experts say.

Other security professionals argue it is hard to be certain the attacks stem from China or that the hackers acted at the behest of the government.

This week the Times and Wall Street Journal reported that their computer networks had been compromised, and alleged it was an effort by the Chinese government to spy on news media operating in the country.