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Part 6
The alleged interference by Russia in the US Election is the subject of multiple high-level probes there. Dr Coyne said Australia’s intelligence agencies would be closely monitoring the next federal election to prevent any potential interference.
“The American experience has been a wake-up call,” he said.
Other forms of cyber warfare target intellectual property and classified information.
Chinese hackers were blamed this year for several months of relentless attacks on computer systems at Australian National University, which is home to defence-focused research teams.
An unnamed foreign intelligence service was also the culprit for a 2015 malware attack on the Bureau of Meteorology, officials said.
Russian-backed hackers have been accused of attempting to infiltrate computer networks housing the official investigation into the downing of MH17, as well as the global nuclear regulation authority, earlier this year.
THE END GAME
But what is the actual goal of this new and unprecedented era of espionage, particularly for a participant as active as China?
“It differs from country to country but I think there are three or four key objectives for China in respect to Australia,” Prof Medcalf said.
“China wants to weaken the Australia-US alliance to reduce the possibility that Australia would support America in a conflict in the Asian region.
“It’s also trying to silence Australia’s independent voice in the Indo-Pacific region to make it less critical of Chinese policy. Many countries in South-East Asia look to Australia to be a solid voice. If that can be silenced, other voices can potentially be silenced as well.”
China also has an interest in growing its technological advantage in both a military and civilian sense, and Australia is home to both quality, cutting-edge research and sensitive materials shared by allies.
“And as I’ve pointed out, the final goal is to do with seeking to control Chinese communities in Australia,” Prof Medcalf said.
“It’s really important to note that this increased awareness is not about being anti-Chinese. It’s about protecting Australia and Australians. That includes Chinese Australians. If we let foreign powers intimidate communities here, we have failed to protect their freedoms.”
When the ASIO boss addressed the Senate in May, it was one of several recent strong-worded statements about foreign interference.
His stance has been seen as a way of keeping awareness on the issue but also sending a message to foreign agencies that Australia is watching.
“Foreign states maintain an enduring interest in a range of strategically important commercial, political, economic, defence, security, foreign policy and diaspora issues,” he said.
Dr Coyne said Australia and its intelligence agencies are responding to the problem but a bipartisan approach from political players is required.
“It’s hard for foreign interference to occur in the daylight. We need to shine a light on these activities,” he said.
“The flip side of the question is looking at the cost to privacy, to democracy and to freedom. There’s a lot of ground for us to explore here.”
Dr Coyne said Australia and its intelligence agencies are responding to the problem but a bipartisan approach from political players is required.
“It’s hard for foreign interference to occur in the daylight. We need to shine a light on these activities,” he said.
“The flip side of the question is looking at the cost to privacy, to democracy and to freedom. There’s a lot of ground for us to explore here.”