China Accuses US Operatives of Cyberattacks on Chinese Infrastructure
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China's accusations against three alleged US operatives have sparked concerns about cybersecurity issues between the two nations. The allegations center around cyberattacks carried out during the Asian Games held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, in February.
The Accused Operatives
A notice from the Harbin police headquarters named Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson as the alleged US operatives accused of carrying out cyberattacks on Chinese infrastructure. According to the police report, these individuals worked through the National Security Agency (NSA) to carry out their operations.
The names and nationalities of the accused were not further detailed in the police notice, nor was information provided about their current whereabouts. This lack of clarity has raised questions about how China obtained this information and what steps are being taken to apprehend the alleged operatives.
The Nature of the Cyberattacks
The cyberattacks allegedly targeted critical infrastructure in Heilongjiang province, including energy, transportation, water resources, telecommunications, and defense research institutions. Huawei, a Chinese technology company, was also said to be targeted by the hackers. According to Xinhua News Agency, the NSA transmitted encrypted data packets to specific devices running Microsoft Windows operating systems within the province.
The cyberattacks were reportedly timed to disrupt the Asian Games held in Harbin and undermine their normal operations. The alleged attacks stored vast amounts of sensitive personal data from individuals associated with the Games, creating a serious risk to their security.
China's Response
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed criticism at a daily briefing, stating that China has expressed its concerns about the cyberattacks through various channels. According to him, China urges the US to adopt a responsible attitude on cybersecurity issues, stop cyberattacks on China, and cease unwarranted smears and attacks.
Lin emphasized that the alleged actions are extremely malicious and have caused serious harm to China's critical infrastructure, national defense, finance, society, production, and personal information security. He also assured that China will take necessary measures to protect its cybersecurity.
The US Response
A spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing was contacted but did not provide an immediate response regarding these allegations.
It is unclear why the cyberattacks would have been timed to coincide with the Asian Games, unless China's strict internet controls were expected to be eased while hosting the competition.
A History of Accusations
The US and China have long accused each other of cyberattacks. Just last month, the Justice Department announced efforts to disrupt and deter malicious cyber activities carried out by 12 Chinese nationals. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence also called China "the most active and persistent cyber threat" to US government networks.
This recent accusation comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions between the two nations on cybersecurity issues, with each side accusing the other of carrying out malicious activities. This latest episode is expected to further strain relations between them.
Conclusion
The cyberattacks on Chinese infrastructure during the Asian Games have raised serious concerns about cybersecurity threats facing both countries. China's response to these allegations reflects its desire to protect its national interests and maintain a secure digital environment, despite ongoing tensions with the US over similar issues.