**Chinese Hackers Target Phones of Trump and Vance, Say Sources**

In an extensive cyber-espionage campaign, hackers linked to the Chinese government have targeted the phone communications of former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee JD Vance, according to sources familiar with the incident reported by CNN. The hackers have also set their sights on senior Biden administration officials, underscoring the high-level threat posed by this breach.

US officials recently informed Trump’s campaign that both Trump and Vance were among several high-profile individuals whose phones were targeted. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung responded by criticizing the Harris campaign, alleging they had emboldened China through their actions. It remains unclear the extent of data, if any, that was accessed by the hackers. Phone communications from senior US officials are a prime target for foreign espionage efforts.

The FBI and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a joint statement acknowledging the investigation into unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors linked to the People's Republic of China. The statement confirmed that affected companies had been notified promptly, with technical assistance and shared information provided to aid other potential victims.

This incident is part of a broader hacking campaign by Chinese operatives that has compromised multiple US telecommunications firms in recent months. Investigators believe the hackers are primarily seeking sensitive national security information, including details on wiretap warrant requests made by the Justice Department. However, sources indicate that the data sought on Trump and Vance did not pertain to US law enforcement activities.

Among the targets identified by the hackers are major US broadband and internet providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen. This breach comes as China, along with Iran and Russia, continues efforts to influence or monitor various aspects of the US election landscape. While China has not made a direct push to influence the presidential election, US intelligence agencies report covert social media campaigns aimed at around 10 congressional, state, or local election races.

The Chinese government has denied all allegations related to these hacking activities. This developing story continues to reveal the complexity and far-reaching implications of international cyber-espionage on US telecommunications infrastructure.