US sanctions Chinese entities accused of links to Treasury cyber-hack

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
17 Jan 2025 23:34

The United States has claimed that a Chinese company and individual are linked to a cybersecurity attack at US telecom firms and the Treasury.

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The U.S. Department of the Treasury building is seen in Washington, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP)

The US Treasury announced sanctions against a Chinese company and an individual accused of involvement in the recent cyberattack on US telecom firms and the Treasury's network.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Treasury said "The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Yin Kecheng, a Shanghai-based cyber actor who was involved with the recent Department of the Treasury network compromise."

The Treasury claimed that Yin Kecheng is affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of State Security.

OFAC also sanctioned Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology, a cybersecurity company based in Sichuan, for allegedly having a direct role in the Salt Typhoon cyber group.

This group is accused of orchestrating the recent attack on the network infrastructure of major U.S. telecommunications and internet service providers.

The Treasury further accused the Chinese Ministry of State Security of having close links reportedly with multiple computer network exploitation companies, including Sichuan Juxinhe.

China ready to retaliate

Following the cyber-related sanctions imposed earlier in January, the Chinese Embassy in Washington referred to the United States as "the master of cyber attacks," and urged the US to cease global cyber theft and attacks and to refrain from using cybersecurity issues to tarnish other nations' reputations.

However, China has taken a firmer stance and has been exhibiting its readiness to retaliate to sanctions and economic punishments the US has been imposing on the country.

On January 1, China announced punitive trade measures targeting several US companies, including Raytheon, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin, signaling a potential escalation in tensions between the two global powers, The New York Times reported.

The Ministry of Commerce in China confirmed that 28 companies have been added to its export control list, citing the need to “safeguard national security and interests.” This move includes banning the export of dual-use items—those with both civilian and military applications—to the affected companies.

Additionally, 10 firms have been placed on an “unreliable entities list” for their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. These firms are now barred from conducting business in China, with their executives prohibited from entering or residing in the country.