Several countries trying to hack into US military system: Pentagon

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Several nations and groups are trying to break into the US military's computer system, the Pentagon said Tuesday after reports China's military had successfully hacked into the network.

The Chinese military's cyber-attack was carried out in June following months of efforts, the London-based Financial Times reported Tuesday, citing unnamed current and former US officials.

Officials had told the paper the attack was by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and that it led to the shutdown of a computer system serving the office of Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

US President George W. Bush said Wednesday he may bring up the issue of suspected Chinese cyber-attacks on the US defence department when he meets with China's President Hu Jintao later this week.

"In terms of whether or not I will bring this up to countries... from which there may have ...