Fault Lines Episode 497: Salt Typhoon — China’s Cyber Blitz
Today, Jess, Martha, Morgan, and Algene break down Salt Typhoon — a years-long Chinese cyber campaign that impacted 80 countries, targeted U.S. telecommunications firms, and compromised millions of people, including political leaders and even National Guard systems. A new multinational report links the operation to three Chinese firms tied to Beijing’s military services, underscoring the scale of China’s push to dominate the global cyber domain even as the U.S. cuts cyber budgets.
How much damage did Salt Typhoon really do, and why should Americans care? Will Congress step up to strengthen U.S. cyber defenses? And why is Washington pulling back at the very moment that Beijing is doubling down on cyber operations?
Check out these sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions:
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/02/congress-pulls-the-rug-on-u-s-plan-to-beat-huawei-00527620
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/23/cisa-cyberattacks-china-doge-cuts/
@marthamillerdc
@morganlroach
@NotTVJessJones
@AlgeneSajery
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