AFP: Chinese cyber threats escalating in 2026 amid geopolitical tension

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday warned that cyber threats against the Philippines from China-based actors are intensifying in 2026 due to geopolitical tensions.

At a Stratbase forum, AFP Cyber Command chief Brigadier General Joey Fontiveros said the Philippines faces persistent cyber attacks linked to territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The country's cybersecurity landscape in 2026 is characterized by escalating threats driven by geopolitical tensions, rapid digital transformation and a sophisticated adversary environment, particularly from state-sponsored actors,” Fontiveros said.

“From a security and defense viewpoint, the country faces persistent cyber attacks linked to territorial disputes in the WPS with China-based malicious actors deploying malware, DDOS attacks, data leaks and website compromises to advance Beijing's regional ambition,” he added.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila but it has yet to respond as of posting time.

According to Fontiveros, these intensifying threats lead to a broader global risk profile where misinformation, disinformation and cyber insecurity rank among top short and long-term concerns.

High-risk sectors include public administration, which accounted for over 20% of dark web threats, the AFP Cyber Command chief said. This was followed by educational services at 14.8% and the finance and insurance sector at 10.1%. 

Common tactics involve ransomware, phishing, and access sales, with law enforcement reporting increases of 37% in online threats and 200% in phishing incidents.

Fontiveros said the Philippines has detected foreign attempts to access intelligence data, though no major breaches have been confirmed, underscoring vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure like healthcare, transportation and power grids.

“Government responses include the National Cyber Security Plan, which emphasizes advanced threat assessment, capacity building and closing skills gaps to bolster resilience,” he said.

“Overall, the landscape demands a shift from reactive to proactive defenses, integrating AI powered detection and multilateral cooperation to counter hybrid threats in a digitally interconnected region,” he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News