The FBI is investigating whether China played a role in the hacking of Sony Pictures, according to officials speaking to Reuters.

More details on the investigation, which has so far centred on North Korea, are expected to come before President Obama addresses the press early on Friday afternoon, but an FBI spokeswoman told the Guardian they could not confirm reports.

The investigation into the hack found North Korea was involved, and that there may also be a Chinese link, either through collaboration with Chinese actors or the use of Chinese servers to mask the origin of the attack, a US official said.

The hacking group Guardians of Peace reportedly sent Sony executives a message on Thursday evening, calling the studio’s Wednesday decision to cancel the release of the controversial film The Interview “very wise”.