CSIS warns that Chinese-backed interference isn't going anywhere in latest report

As the dust settles on the landmark findings of the foreign interference inquiry, Canada's intelligence agency is warning that China likely will back more meddling campaigns and expand its online pressure tactics over the coming year.

In itslatest annual report, released Tuesday, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service says the People's Republic of China (PRC) remains «an enduring threat» to Canadian technology, democracy and diaspora communities.

«The PRC's negative perceptions of select Canadian domestic and foreign policy initiatives may also drive more foreign interference, disinformation efforts and cyber activity in 2024,» said the report.

The unclassified report also warns of a shift in how China runs cyber campaigns.

Last year, the Five Eyes intelligence sharing network disclosed details of Volt Typhoon, a Chinese government-linked hacking campaign, after analysts at Microsoft found it had targeted everything from U.S. telecommunication networks to transportation hubs.

«This is the first public indication of the PRC targeting infrastructure of this scale,» CSIS wrote in its report.

«Disruption in these sectors would impede military operations and have major impacts on civilian populations as well.»

Last month, FBI Director Christopher Wray said China is developing the «ability to physically wreak havoc» on U.S. critical infrastructure and its hackers are waiting «for just the right moment to deal a devastating blow.»

CSIS's annual report comes a few days after the public inquiry investigating foreign election interference said attempts by other countries to meddle in the past two federal elections ultimately did not affect which political party formed government.

The inquiry's initial report, released Friday, said