Google says Gmail hacking linked to China

Google says hackers probably based in China tried to break into hundreds of Google mail accounts, including those of senior US government officials, Chinese activists and journalists

FILE-GMAIL HACKING - The headquarters of internet giant, Google, in Beijing.

Relations between the two are in the spotlight once again following allegations that Chinese hackers tried to steal the passwords of hundreds of Google email account holders.

Google says those targeted include senior US government officials, Chinese activists and journalists.

Washington is now investigating the claims and the FBI is also working with Google following the attacks.

The news is likely to strain an already tense relationship between the web giant and Beijing.

Google partially pulled out of China last year after a tussle with the government over censorship and an alleged previous hacking episode.

China has rejected the latest hacking claims.

Sunita Rappai, Reuters