China has accused the United States National Security Agency (NSA) of launching a series of “advanced” cyberattacks during the Asian Winter Games in February, targeting multiple sectors including energy, transportation, communication, and national defense.
According to a report by China’s state news agency Xinhua, authorities in Harbin have placed three alleged NSA agents — Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson — on a wanted list. These individuals are accused of repeated cyber intrusions against China’s critical information infrastructure, including attacks on Huawei and other Chinese enterprises.
The report also named two U.S. academic institutions — the University of California and Virginia Tech — in connection with the attacks, though it did not specify how they were involved.
Xinhua alleges that the cyber operations occurred during the Winter Games and included the use of backdoors in Microsoft Windows devices across Heilongjiang province. The NSA reportedly used foreign IP addresses and rented servers in Europe and Asia to cover its tracks, with the intent to collect personal data of athletes and access sensitive registration systems related to the Games.
China’s foreign ministry confirmed the findings and said it has formally raised its concerns with Washington. Spokesperson Lin Jian called for the U.S. to take a “responsible attitude” and “stop unprovoked smears and attacks on China.”
This development marks another escalation in the ongoing U.S.–China cyber tensions, as both countries have increasingly accused each other of cyber espionage and sabotage. Just last month, the U.S. Justice Department unsealed indictments against several Chinese nationals allegedly involved in hacking American defense and government institutions.
China has denied involvement in such activities and, in recent years, has begun publicly accusing the U.S. of similar behavior — including cyberattacks aimed at stealing trade secrets from Chinese tech companies.
(C) 2025 Reuters : Laurie Chen, Farah Master, Liz Lee
