China Accuses US of Major Cyberattack on National Time Center, Warns of Infrastructure Threat

China has formally accused the United States of a persistent cyberattack campaign. The target was China’s National Time Service Center. The announcement was made by China’s State Security Ministry. It occurred on a recent Sunday.

The ministry warned these breaches could have severely disrupted critical infrastructure. This includes financial systems, communication networks, and power supplies. The integrity of China’s standard time was also at risk.

Details of the Alleged US Cyber Espionage Operation

The Chinese ministry stated the US National Security Agency led the operation. They claim it occurred over an extended period. Evidence traces stolen data and credentials back to 2022.

According to the ministry’s investigation, attackers exploited a vulnerability. This flaw was in the messaging service of a foreign smartphone brand. It was used to access staff mobile devices. The ministry did not name the specific brand involved.

The National Time Service Center is a vital institute. It is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its role is to generate, maintain, and broadcast China’s official standard time.

Broader Impact and Escalating Cyber Tensions

The accusations signal a serious escalation in digital espionage. Targeting a time center is highly strategic. Precise timekeeping is foundational for modern infrastructure.

According to Reuters, the U.S. embassy in Beijing did not directly address these specific claims. Instead, an embassy spokesperson stated that cyber actors from China threaten U.S. networks. This reflects the ongoing tit-for-tat nature of cyber accusations between the two nations.

These cyber allegations emerge amid renewed trade friction. Recent tensions involve China’s controls on rare earths exports. The U.S. is also threatening further tariffs on Chinese goods. This cyber claim adds another layer of complexity to an already strained relationship.

The accusation of a US cyberattack on China’s National Time Service Center represents a significant escalation in digital espionage claims, highlighting the critical role of time synchronization for national security and global infrastructure.

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What is the National Time Service Center?

The National Time Service Center is a key Chinese research institute. It generates and maintains China’s official standard time. Its work supports finance, communications, and power grids.

How did the US allegedly hack the systems?

China claims hackers used a flaw in a smartphone’s messaging service. This happened in 2022. The vulnerability allowed access to staff devices and internal networks.

Has the US responded to these accusations?

The U.S. embassy did not directly deny the specific attack. Instead, it labeled China as the most active cyber threat to the United States. This information was reported by Reuters.

Why is a time center a strategic target?

High-precision time is crucial for many modern systems. Financial markets, telecommunications, and energy grids all rely on it. Disrupting it could cause widespread operational failures.

Is this part of a larger pattern?

Yes. China and the US frequently trade public accusations of cyberattacks. Each nation views the other as its primary cyber threat. This latest claim intensifies that ongoing dispute.