China Accuses U.S. of Fabricating ‘Volt Typhoon’ Cyber Threat
Chinese cybersecurity agencies have released a report alleging that the United States fabricated the so-called “Volt Typhoon” hacking group to smear China and justify the extension of surveillance laws. The joint report, released by China’s National Computer Emergency Response Center and other institutions, claims that U.S. government agencies orchestrated a disinformation campaign starting in early 2023.
Alleged Disinformation Campaign
According to the report, U.S. intelligence agencies, including the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), planned the “Volt Typhoon” operation to influence Congress into extending Section 702 of the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Section 702, set to expire at the end of 2023, allows for the collection of electronic communications without a warrant.
The report states that the campaign involved U.S. politicians with anti-China views, various government departments, and cybersecurity authorities from the “Five Eyes” alliance countries. It alleges that these entities collaborated to fabricate and amplify the narrative of a “China cyber threat” to deceive American taxpayers and legislators.
Phases of the Operation
The investigation outlines three main phases of the alleged operation:
- Preparation Stage (January 2023 to May 2023): U.S. officials advocated for the extension of Section 702 while fabricating a cyberattack incident at a military base in Guam. They instructed private companies to produce technical reports and involved allies to support the extension.
- Implementation Phase (June 2023 to January 2024): Continued use of the “Volt Typhoon” narrative to pressure Congress members into temporarily extending Section 702, while planning to suppress Chinese internet enterprises.
- Consolidation Phase (February 2024 to April 2024): Successful influence on legislative bodies to achieve a long-term extension of Section 702 and further actions against Chinese technology companies.
Allegations of Cyber Attacks
The report asserts that from May 2023 onward, hacker groups associated with U.S. government agencies conducted over 45 million cyberattacks against Chinese government entities, universities, research institutions, large enterprises, and critical infrastructure. It claims that evidence points to agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and FBI, and that these actions were authorized under Section 702.
Calls for Global Opposition
Chinese authorities urge global communities to oppose what they describe as egregious actions by the U.S., using technological advantages to infringe upon other countries’ sovereignty and citizens’ privacy. The report warns that the continuation of Section 702 poses a serious threat not only to Americans but also to people worldwide.
The report concludes by calling on U.S. politicians to focus on domestic issues rather than using China as a “scapegoat,” emphasizing that attempts to isolate or contain China’s development are futile.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
