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Chinese authorities in the northeastern city of Harbin have accused the United States National Security Agency (NSA) of carrying out what they described as “advanced” cyberattacks targeting key sectors during the Asian Winter Games held in February.
According to a report published by state news agency Xinhua on Tuesday, the Harbin Public Security Bureau alleged that the attacks were aimed at critical industries such as energy, transportation, water resources, communications, and national defence research institutions in Heilongjiang Province.
Three individuals identified as NSA agents—Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson—have been placed on a wanted list following investigations, the report said. It further claimed that the trio repeatedly conducted cyber operations against China’s critical information infrastructure and participated in attacks on companies including Huawei.
Xinhua also named the University of California and Virginia Tech as being involved in the alleged activities, though no specific details were provided regarding their roles.
“The US National Security Agency (NSA) launched cyber attacks against important industries such as energy, transportation, water conservancy, communications, and national defence research institutions in Heilongjiang province,” the report quoted the Harbin city public security bureau as saying.
It added that the attacks were intended to sabotage China’s critical information infrastructure, create social instability, and obtain confidential information.
The United States Embassy in China has yet to respond to a request for comment.
The detailed accusations come amid deepening tensions between the two largest economies, a trade dispute that has already led to travel warnings for Chinese citizens visiting the United States and a halt in American film imports into China.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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