China has leveled serious espionage accusations against three alleged NSA agents, claiming they orchestrated cyberattacks targeting the Asian Winter Games in Harbin and major Chinese firms like Huawei, while offering rewards for information leading to their capture.
At a Glance
- Chinese authorities named three alleged NSA agents – Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson – accusing them of coordinating cyberattacks during the Asian Winter Games
- China’s computer virus watchdog reported over 270,000 foreign cyberattacks related to the Games, claiming two-thirds originated from the United States
- The attacks allegedly targeted event management systems, infrastructure, payment systems, and Chinese companies including Huawei
- Chinese authorities are offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the accused, with espionage penalties in China including life imprisonment or execution
- The US Embassy in Beijing has not commented on the accusations
China Identifies Three Alleged US Operatives Behind Cyberattacks
Chinese security officials have publicly identified three individuals they claim are US National Security Agency operatives responsible for orchestrating cyberattacks during February’s Asian Winter Games in Harbin. The accused agents – named as Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson – allegedly work for the NSA’s Office of Tailored Access Operations. Officials in Harbin released a statement on the Chinese social media platform Weibo implicating these agents in attacks specifically targeting “key information infrastructure” related to the international sporting event.
“Chinese security officials said Tuesday they had implicated three US ‘secret agents’ in cyberattacks during February’s Asian Winter Games in the northeastern city of Harbin, offering a reward for information on the alleged spies.”, said Chinese security officials.
According to Chinese state sources, the country’s computer virus watchdog recorded more than 270,000 foreign cyberattacks targeting systems related to the Asian Winter Games. Officials claim approximately two-thirds of these attacks originated from the United States. The targeted systems reportedly included critical event infrastructure such as information release platforms, entry-exit management systems, card payment networks, and local municipal infrastructure essential to the Games’ operation.
Reward Offered as China Expands Allegations
Chinese authorities have announced a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the three named individuals, continuing a practice of offering cash incentives for tip-offs related to espionage activities. Officials emphasized the severe legal consequences for foreign espionage under Chinese law, which can include life imprisonment or even execution for convicted spies. This public announcement appears to serve both as a warning and as part of a broader counter-intelligence strategy.
The scope of allegations extends beyond the sporting event, with Chinese officials claiming the NSA agents also targeted major Chinese companies, most notably telecommunications giant Huawei. This accusation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over US sanctions against Huawei that have been in place since 2019. Chinese authorities have also implicated American academic institutions, including the University of California and Virginia Tech, claiming they found evidence linking these universities to the cyberattack infrastructure.
Diplomatic Fallout and Response
China’s foreign ministry has issued strong condemnations of the alleged cyberattacks, urging the United States to cease what it describes as ongoing hostile actions against Chinese interests. The accusations come at a time of already strained relations between the world’s two largest economies, potentially adding another layer of complexity to bilateral discussions on trade, technology, and security concerns. The US Embassy in Beijing has thus far declined to comment on the specific allegations raised by Chinese authorities.
State news agency Xinhua claims to have “uncovered evidence” supporting the allegations against the American operatives. Chinese officials have called on citizens to “cooperate with public security organs in arresting” the accused individuals if they have relevant information. These developments highlight the ongoing tension in the cyber domain between major powers, with each side frequently accusing the other of digital espionage and infrastructure attacks while providing limited verifiable evidence to the international community.
