China Targets Three Alleged NSA Agents Over Cyberattacks on Asian Games

The digital conflict between China and the United States escalated further this week, as Chinese authorities accused three alleged American operatives of launching cyberattacks during the Asian Games in Harbin. The latest claims, which originate from police and state media, allege that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) orchestrated a targeted campaign aimed at disrupting critical systems and stealing sensitive data during the international sporting event.

Beijing Names Names in Harbin Cyberattack Investigation

According to a notice released by Harbin police, three individuals—Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson—are now being pursued by Chinese authorities for their alleged roles in the attacks. All three are believed to have acted under the direction of the NSA, though Chinese officials have not disclosed how they obtained their identities or current whereabouts.

The cyberattacks reportedly focused on IT systems managing the Asian Games, including registration databases, travel logistics, and competition entry systems. These platforms housed extensive personal information linked to athletes, officials, and support personnel.

According to a report by China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, the intention was to disrupt the event’s smooth operation while also gaining unauthorized access to sensitive personal and organizational data.

Broader Cyber Targets Included Infrastructure and Tech Giants

Beyond the Games themselves, Chinese authorities allege the NSA expanded its digital offensive to include a wide range of critical infrastructure in Heilongjiang province, where Harbin is located. The targeted sectors reportedly included energy, telecommunications, water resources, transportation, and national defense research.

Tech giant Huawei was also named as a victim of the alleged attacks. According to Xinhua, the operatives transmitted “unknown encrypted data packets” to devices running Microsoft Windows, raising concerns about the possible use of malware or zero-day exploits to breach systems undetected.

Chinese officials have not publicly disclosed technical forensics or specific evidence to support these claims, leaving questions around attribution and verification.

Chinese Officials Condemn Attacks, Urge U.S. Accountability

At a routine press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described the alleged cyberattacks as “extremely malicious,” claiming they caused serious harm to both national security and the privacy of Chinese citizens. Lin called on the United States to “adopt a responsible attitude” and end what Beijing views as hostile cyber behavior.

“China has expressed its concerns to the U.S. side through various means,” Lin said. “We urge the U.S. to stop cyberattacks on China and cease unwarranted smears and attacks.”

As with previous incidents, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing did not issue an immediate response to China’s latest allegations.

Rising Cyber Tensions Between the World’s Leading Powers

The U.S. and China have spent years trading accusations over cyber espionage, hacking campaigns, and digital surveillance. Washington routinely accuses Beijing of backing aggressive campaigns to penetrate American government agencies and corporations. In March, the U.S. Justice Department announced an operation targeting 12 alleged Chinese hackers, including law enforcement personnel, accused of carrying out malicious cyber activity against U.S. institutions.

In a related report, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence described China as “the most active and persistent cyber threat” to U.S. networks, including both government and private sector infrastructure.

The motivations behind the timing of the alleged NSA-led cyberattacks remain unclear. Some speculate that China may have loosened certain internet restrictions during the Asian Games, creating a brief window of vulnerability. Others view the accusations as part of a broader narrative shift, with Beijing now increasingly vocal in framing the U.S. as a cyber aggressor.

As accusations mount and digital threats become more complex, both nations appear locked in a cyber cold war, where the lines between national defense, espionage, and public relations are increasingly blurred.