Escalating Cyber Shadow War: China Alleges US Hacked National Time Centre, Citing 'Suctionchar' Trojan
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- October 19, 2025
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In a sharp escalation of the simmering digital conflict between global superpowers, China has publicly accused US intelligence agencies of orchestrating sophisticated and sustained cyberattacks against its critical National Time Service Centre. This grave allegation, detailed in a comprehensive report by China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre (CVERC) and cybersecurity firm Qihoo 360, paints a picture of a relentless digital intrusion aimed at one of the nation's most vital scientific institutions.
The report, released by Chinese authorities, meticulously outlines how US intelligence, allegedly operating from a third country, deployed a potent "Trojan" program identified as "Suctionchar." This malicious software is purportedly linked to the notorious "Equation Group," a highly advanced threat actor widely believed to be an elite unit within the US National Security Agency (NSA).
The accusations include a detailed timeline and methodology of the attacks, presenting what China claims is irrefutable evidence of foreign state-sponsored cyber espionage.
The National Time Service Centre (NTSC), situated in China's Shaanxi province, is far more than just a clock-keeping facility.
It is the sole provider of official time services across China, furnishing precision timing crucial for the flawless operation of sectors ranging from national defense and finance to telecommunications and scientific research. An attack on such a foundational infrastructure could have far-reaching and destabilizing consequences, underscore the severity of China's claims.
This is not an isolated incident but rather the latest salvo in a long-running, covert cyber struggle.
Last year, China leveled similar accusations against the US, alleging extensive cyberattacks on its Northwestern Polytechnical University, a prestigious institution with significant military and aerospace research. Conversely, Washington has frequently accused Beijing of its own sophisticated cyber espionage campaigns, targeting US government agencies, critical infrastructure, and corporations to steal intellectual property and sensitive data.
These reciprocal accusations highlight a dangerous cycle of digital warfare, where both nations leverage their advanced cyber capabilities against each other's strategic assets.
The release of this report, complete with technical details and alleged attribution, signals China's intent to publicly confront and expose what it perceives as aggressive cyber incursions.
It further fuels the geopolitical tensions between the two nations, shifting the focus to the increasingly vital and vulnerable domain of cyberspace. As the world becomes ever more interconnected, the battle for digital dominance and security continues to unfold in the shadows, with implications that ripple across global stability and international relations.
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