Beijing/New Delhi — China has accused the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) of launching a sophisticated cyberattack on its National Time Service Center, claiming the use of 42 advanced cyber weapons that allegedly threatened the country’s communication and energy infrastructure.
The allegation was made by China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) in a statement released on Sunday. According to the ministry, the cyberattacks occurred between 2022 and 2024 and were aimed at compromising critical national systems.
Data Stolen from Employees’ Mobile Devices
The MSS claimed that the U.S. agency exploited vulnerabilities in a foreign smartphone brand’s messaging system to infiltrate the mobile devices of Time Center employees and extract sensitive data.
However, the ministry did not disclose the name of the smartphone manufacturer.
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Targeting Core Network and Timing Systems
The report further alleged that the NSA deployed 42 specialized cyber tools to penetrate the Center’s internal network and national timing systems—a key infrastructure responsible for generating and distributing China’s standard time.
The National Time Service Center plays a crucial role in maintaining synchronization across financial systems, energy grids, transportation networks, and defense communications.
“We Have Evidence,” Says Ministry
While China claims to possess technical evidence of the attacks, no public proof has been released so far.
Authorities said additional security protocols have been implemented to counter further intrusions, describing the incident as part of a “broader pattern of foreign cyber aggression.”
“U.S. Conducts Cyberattacks, Then Blames Others,” Beijing Says
In its statement, the MSS accused Washington of engaging in global cyber espionage, saying:
“The United States frequently conducts large-scale cyberattacks while falsely accusing other nations to divert attention from its own operations.”
Indian Cyber Expert: ‘Data Is the New Weapon of War’
Cybercrime Expert and Former IPS Officer Prof. Triveni Singh commented on the allegations, calling the incident “a stark reminder of the digital battlefield of the future.”
“Modern conflicts are no longer fought solely with missiles or guns, but through code, data, and networks,” Prof. Singh said.
“Cyber espionage is now a geopolitical tool used to disrupt economies, communications, and even public trust.”
He added that such incidents underline the urgent need for countries like India to treat cybersecurity as an extension of national security.
“Protecting digital infrastructure must now be viewed with the same seriousness as defending borders,” he emphasized.
Tensions Likely to Deepen
Analysts say this latest accusation could further strain U.S.–China relations, which are already tense over issues including trade, semiconductors, and Taiwan.
If verified, experts warn that the alleged cyberattack could constitute a violation of international cyber norms.
No Response from the U.S.
As of Sunday evening, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the National Security Agency had not issued any response to the allegations.
