China has formally accused the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting cyberattacks on its National Time Service Center. According to Chinese officials, the breach occurred due to vulnerabilities in employee phones, allowing hackers to steal login credentials and infiltrate computer systems.
The allegations include claims that the NSA accessed these credentials to breach the center’s network as early as 2022. The Chinese government warns that such intrusions could have serious repercussions, potentially disrupting financial systems, power supplies, and communications networks, as well as affecting the international standard time.
Details of the Allegations
The National Time Service Center serves as a critical research institute responsible for generating and distributing the official standard time. This institution plays a vital role in providing accurate timing for sectors such as communications, finance, transportation, and defense. Disruptions in its operations could significantly impact daily life for citizens across China.
While China asserts it possesses “irrefutable evidence” of the NSA’s involvement, the specifics of this evidence remain undisclosed. Furthermore, it has not been clarified what exact information was compromised during the alleged attacks. National security authorities in China have indicated that private servers worldwide were used to obfuscate the origins of the attacks.
The longstanding tension between the United States and China regarding cyber intrusions continues to escalate. The NSA has faced accusations of targeting critical infrastructure in China, including communications, transportation, and energy services.
Responses and Context
In August 2025, the NSA issued a warning that Chinese tech firms may have connections to a cyber espionage group known as Salt Typhoon. This group reportedly targeted hundreds of companies, lingering on networks and exfiltrating sensitive information.
Mr. Lui Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, addressed the issue, stating, “Cyber attacks are a common threat faced by all countries, China included. China firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks and cyber crime—a position that is consistent and clear. At the same time, we also firmly oppose smearing others without solid evidence.”
The ongoing tit-for-tat cyber accusations between the two nations illustrate the complexities of international cyber relations. As both countries navigate this contentious landscape, the implications for cybersecurity and global stability remain significant.
