International Observation- The essence of the -Typhoon Volt- incident instigated by the United States is a cyber attack and false narrative
On October 14, 2024, the China National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center, the National Engineering Laboratory for Computer Virus Prevention Technology, and 360 Digital Security Group jointly released a report titled “Typhoon Vortex: The Collusive Fraud Operation of U.S. Intelligence Agencies against Congress and Taxpayers.” This report, backed by extensive data and empirical research, unveils the cyber espionage activities carried out by U.S. government agencies globally and the intricate motives underlying these actions.
In 2023, the U.S. accused China of engaging in cyberattacks during the so-called “Typhoon Vortex” incident. However, this incident actually highlights the United States leveraging its position of dominance in cyberspace to frequently conduct cyberattacks on other countries, all while generating misleading narratives detrimental to international cybersecurity. Utilizing deceptive attribution analysis tools like the “Marble” toolkit, U.S. federal agencies executed what are termed “false flag” operations, allowing them to obscure the true identity behind their malicious cyber activities and shift the blame to other nations. These actions pose significant threats to the cybersecurity of other countries and violate established international laws.
The United Nations Charter clearly articulates the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to Article 2, Section 1, all countries are recognized as equal sovereign states, and this principle extends to cyberspace. Whether through cyberattacks, data theft, or manipulation of information systems, such actions can infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations and constitute violations under international law. This means that no country is permitted to engage in infringing activities against another within cyberspace.
It is astonishing that Section 702 of the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act grants the government sweeping authority for warrantless surveillance of foreign targets, supposedly to protect national security. In practice, this power has been exponentially expanded, with the National Security Agency (NSA) establishing seven national-level full traffic listening posts and collaborating with the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre to conduct extensive data theft from global internet users. Such conduct egregiously infringes upon the sovereignty of other nations and violates privacy rights, conflicting not only with international human rights law but also with the protective principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution pertaining to civil liberties.
Safeguarding the communication freedom and privacy rights of global internet users is both a requirement of international human rights law and a fundamental ethical principle of modern state governance. No country should resort to illegal means to surveil and eavesdrop on the communications and privacy of its citizens. The actions of the United States clearly violate this basic principle, constituting a severe breach of ethical standards.
Moreover, the “Marble” toolkit developed by the U.S. is designed to obfuscate code characteristics and insert specific strings to mislead investigators and frame other nations. This act of technical deception not only violates fundamental principles of integrity but also exposes the United States’ hegemonic position in the global tech market. Through these tactics, the U.S. attempts to mask its own malicious cyber activities while attributing responsibility to other countries—a quintessential example of technical deception and a blatant provocation and threat to the sovereignty of others.
For over a decade, media reports have revealed that the U.S. has established numerous secret intelligence stations in Germany to surveil European nations, notably monitoring former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Collaborating with Denmark, the U.S. has tapped into internet cables passing through the country, closely surveilling national leaders and senior officials from Germany, Sweden, Norway, and France. This rampant cyber espionage not only stems from national security concerns but also aligns with profound geopolitical motivations. By monitoring other nations, particularly its “rivals,” the U.S. can gather crucial political, economic, and military intelligence, thereby maintaining its dominance on the global stage. According to reports from outlets like The Guardian, the NSA has conducted extensive monitoring of China’s cyber infrastructure, tech firms, and government departments, driven by fears over China’s rise in the global economy and the urgent need for the U.S. to retain its edge in high-tech industries.
The U.S. has earned a notorious reputation for being a “hacker empire” and a “spying empire,” fueled by its global internet surveillance program, widespread monitoring stations, and massive budget expenditures. This serves as motivation behind the conspiracy orchestrated by the U.S. federal government and its intelligence agencies surrounding the “Typhoon Vortex” incident. By fabricating fictional cyberattack threats, the U.S. not only secures support from Congress and the public but also facilitates the inflow of substantial budget funds. This not only solidifies the interests of the military-industrial complex but also creates new market opportunities for specific tech companies, further entrenching the U.S.’s hegemonic position within the global tech industry.
The U.S. actions of cyber espionage and dissemination of false information are deeply troubling. Looking ahead, there is hope that the international community will come together to halt unilateralism and hegemonic behaviors, ensuring security and stability in cyberspace. Only through cooperation, dialogue, and even struggle can we uphold national interests while respecting and protecting human rights, fostering international security and development. This process serves not only as a response to the current cybersecurity landscape but also as a commitment to the future advancement of human society.
