Beijing: China has formally accused the United States of conducting a series of cyberattacks targeting its National Time Service Center (NTSC), raising concerns about the security of critical national infrastructure. The Ministry of State Security (MSS) said in a statement on Sunday that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) had infiltrated the centre’s network over an extended period, potentially endangering communications, financial systems, power grids, and China’s official timekeeping operations.
According to the MSS, the cyber intrusion began in 2022 when the NSA exploited a vulnerability in the messaging service of a foreign smartphone brand to access the mobile devices of NTSC staff. This breach allowed intelligence operatives to steal data and credentials, facilitating further surveillance of the institute’s internal networks. Subsequent attacks in 2023 and 2024 reportedly targeted the centre’s high-precision ground-based timing systems, which are integral to synchronizing China’s standard time.
The NTSC, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, plays a crucial role in generating and broadcasting China’s official time. The alleged cyberattacks highlight the growing vulnerabilities of scientific and research institutions in an era where technological and geopolitical tensions intersect.
The U.S. embassy in Beijing has not responded to requests for comment on the accusations. These latest allegations come amid escalating trade tensions, as the United States considers increasing tariffs on Chinese goods following Beijing’s expanded rare earth export controls. Analysts note that cyber espionage accusations between the two nations have intensified in recent years, with both sides portraying the other as a leading cyber threat.
Experts warn that attacks on timekeeping and communication infrastructure are particularly sensitive, as they can have cascading effects on finance, transportation, and national security. The Chinese government’s public statement signals Beijing’s intent to hold the U.S. accountable, while underscoring the strategic importance of safeguarding critical scientific facilities from cyber threats.