BEIJING – In a recent development, China has leveled accusations against the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), claiming it conducted cyberattacks on China’s national time center. According to Chinese officials, these attacks, if successful, could have disrupted critical sectors such as communications, financial systems, and the power supply.

In a statement shared via WeChat, the Ministry of State Security alleged that the U.S. agency exploited security flaws in the messaging services of an unspecified foreign mobile phone brand. This breach reportedly allowed the NSA to extract sensitive data from devices used by the staff at the National Time Service Center in 2022.

Furthermore, the Chinese authorities claimed that the NSA deployed 42 distinct “special cyberattack weapons” to compromise the center’s various internal networks. The agency also allegedly attempted to infiltrate a crucial timing system between 2023 and 2024.

While the ministry declared that it possesses evidence to substantiate these claims, it did not disclose any supporting documents or details in its announcement.

The national time center plays a vital role in generating and distributing China’s official time, as well as providing essential timing services to sectors including communications, finance, energy, transportation, and defense. The ministry stated that it has issued guidance to the center to mitigate and eliminate any potential threats.

“The U.S. is accusing others of what it does itself, repeatedly hyping up claims about Chinese cyber threats,” it said.

Western governments in recent years have alleged hackers linked to the Chinese government have targeted officials, journalists, corporations and others. The ministry’s statement could fuel tensions between Washington and Beijing, on top of trade, technology and Taiwan issues.

The U.S. Embassy did not immediately comment.