# Beijing Responds to Tariffs by Outing Alleged NSA Hackers by Name

In a surprising move, Chinese authorities have named three individuals working at the National Security Agency (NSA) who China claims hacked into computer systems during the Asian Winter Games earlier this year. The revelation comes as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate over trade restrictions, tariffs, and economic competition.

## A Rare Move: China Names Alleged NSA Hackers

The three alleged NSA agents named by Chinese authorities are Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson. This is a rare move by China, which typically does not name suspected foreign hackers targeting its domestic infrastructure. The outing of these individuals is seen as a response to the ongoing tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese goods.

### Experts Explain the Significance

According to experts, this move is likely in retaliation to the ongoing tariffs and trade restrictions imposed by the US. By naming the alleged NSA operatives, China is signaling that it can identify the perpetrators of intrusions and will not be caught off guard in the future. This could lead to a shift in the dynamics of global espionage and hacking operations.

"The identification of these alleged NSA operatives follows a report released on April 3 by China's CVERC, which said that the country had faced more than 270,000 cyberattacks during the winter games," said Isaac Stone Fish, chief executive officer of Strategy Risk. "This move is part of Beijing's broader strategy to retaliate against tariffs and demonstrate its ability to counter US intelligence efforts."

## The Concept of Simple Sabotage

The outing of these alleged NSA hackers can be seen as a form of "simple sabotage," a concept coined by the CIA that refers to small, deliberate actions taken to disrupt an enemy's efforts. This type of interference can include attacks on undersea cables and other critical infrastructure.

"Attacks on undersea cables and other infrastructure are another form of simple sabotage," said [Name], a cybersecurity expert. "It's less about significant physical attack and more about displaying minor aggression, and is just one pillar in broader geopolitical maneuvering."

## The Tariff War Continues

The US and China are engaged in an ongoing trade war, with the US imposing tariffs on Chinese goods and China responding with its own retaliatory measures.

"While many Americans think manufacturing should return to the United States, and China is a bad actor in many ways, few Americans want to work in factories," said [Name], a trade expert. "Global trade has been a boon for the economy as U.S. businesses export many services abroad."

However, President Trump's administration has taken a hardline stance on trade with China, imposing tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of Chinese goods. The impact of these tariffs is being felt across the globe, disrupting supply chains and affecting global trade.

### Electronics Exempt from Highest Tariffs

One exception to the highest tariffs is electronics, including semiconductors and iPhones. However, Trump has suggested that these exemptions may be temporary, sparking concerns about the future of global trade.

As the tariff war continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how China's move to name alleged NSA hackers will play out. Will this be a turning point in the conflict, or just another chapter in the ongoing saga of global espionage and hacking operations? Only time will tell.