China’s national internet emergency response center announced on Wednesday that it had identified and addressed two incidents of cyberattacks by a U.S. intelligence agency targeting Chinese tech firms to “steal trade secrets” since May 2023. The announcement comes as U.S. cybersecurity authorities issued warnings about vulnerabilities in American telecommunications networks attributed to Chinese hackers.
The National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Centre of China (CNCERT/CC) claimed the attacks targeted an advanced materials research unit and a major high-tech company specializing in intelligent energy and digital information. The organization accused a U.S. intelligence agency, which it did not name, of orchestrating the attacks that resulted in the theft of significant trade secrets.
CNCERT/CC, which describes itself as a non-governmental technical body protecting China’s cybersecurity, said the hacks underscored the risks posed by foreign cyber threats. The center has previously accused the U.S. of similar actions, reflecting China’s growing pushback against long-standing accusations from Western governments of Chinese cyber espionage.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidance urging senior government officials and political leaders to adopt end-to-end encrypted messaging platforms. The recommendation follows confirmed breaches at major U.S. telecom providers, which officials have blamed on Chinese hackers.
In its written advisory released Wednesday, CISA instructed individuals in sensitive positions to “immediately review and apply” best practices for securing mobile devices. These measures aim to counteract vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive communications to foreign surveillance.
In March 2022, CNCERT/CC alleged that China faced cyberattacks predominantly traced back to the U.S., with some originating from countries like Germany and the Netherlands. The group claimed these attacks exploited Chinese computers to launch operations against targets in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
