China has accused the U.S. of a prolonged cyber-attack on its National Time Service Center (NTSC), claiming the breach targeted systems vital to communications, finance, and power networks.
According to the Chinese Ministry of State Security, the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) began exploiting a vulnerability in a foreign smartphone messaging service in 2022. This allowed them to access staff devices and network systems at NTSC.
The ministry alleges further attacks between 2023 and 2024 aimed at the center’s internal networks and its high-precision timing infrastructure. Any disruption could ripple across critical systems that rely on synchronized time.
The NTSC, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, maintains China’s official time standard. Officials warn the breach risked broader damage to communication, banking, and energy systems.
The U.S. Embassy hasn’t responded yet. The accusations add to growing U.S.–China tensions over cyber-espionage, technology controls and trade restrictions.
