China accused of hacking global systems for espionage

Australia has accused China of recruiting cyber espionage groups to track communications. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

China is being accused of targeting telecommunication, government and military networks across the world to gain long-term access for espionage.

Australia has issued a cyber security alert alongside the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand stating Beijing is sponsoring malicious cyber groups to largely target routers of major telecom providers.