By Micah Jonah
January 8, 2026
A Chinese hacking group has reportedly compromised email systems used by staff members of key committees in the United States House of Representatives, raising fresh concerns over cyber espionage, targeting Washington’s political institutions.
According to a report by the Financial Times, the hacking group known as Salt Typhoon accessed email systems belonging to staffers on the House China committee, as well as aides working on committees overseeing foreign affairs, intelligence, and the armed services. The identities of the affected staffers were not disclosed.
The intrusions were detected in December, though it remains unclear whether the hackers gained access to lawmakers’ personal emails. Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.
China’s embassy in Washington dismissed the allegations, with spokesperson Liu Pengyu condemning what he described as “unfounded speculation and accusations.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment, while the White House and the affected congressional committees did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
U.S. lawmakers and their aides, particularly those involved in national security oversight, have long been prime targets for cyber espionage. Similar incidents have surfaced in recent years, including a November cyber incident, involving communications between the Congressional Budget Office and Senate offices, as well as earlier reports of foreign-linked hacking attempts targeting senior lawmakers.
The Salt Typhoon group has previously been accused by U.S. intelligence agencies of conducting large-scale surveillance operations, including intercepting telephone communications and conversations involving prominent U.S. officials. Beijing has repeatedly denied any involvement in such activities.
Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on alleged hacker Yin Kecheng and Chinese cyber security firm, Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology, accusing them of links to the Salt Typhoon cyber campaign.
The latest allegations are expected to intensify tensions between Washington and Beijing amid ongoing disputes over cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, and national security.
