Technology company Microsoft and US intelligence agencies denounced Wednesday that an organization, sponsored by the Chinese government, carried out an espionage campaign and hacked “critical infrastructure” in the country.

In a statement, the tech giant said that a Chinese organization known as “Volt Typhoon” had carried out a campaign of cyber attacks that could “disturb communications” between the United States and Asia in the future.

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The hackers have been active since mid-2021, targeting organizations on Guam, an island in the Pacific that is part of the US, and elsewhere in the country.

“Organizations affected include the communications, manufacturing, utilities, transportation, construction, maritime, government, information technology, and education sectors,” Microsoft said.

The National Security Agency (NSA) confirmed the Chinese attack as well on Wednesday.

“A China-sponsored agent living outside (US) territory used a network-embedded tool to evade our defenses and leave no trace,” said Rob Joyce, NSA’s director of cybersecurity.

The agency added that it is working closely with the governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, as well as the FBI to identify possible cyberattacks of this type.

Guam, a US territory since 1898, is strategically located in the western Pacific.

There are still naval and air bases, where a total of 6,000 troops are deployed and control 40% of the territory.