The Washington Post has exposed a massive Chinese surveillance operation infiltrating the very core of America’s telecommunications infrastructure. Known as “Salt Typhoon,” this espionage campaign has reportedly allowed Chinese intelligence to intercept phone calls and text messages within the United States, reaching the phones of high-ranking officials and ordinary citizens alike. As evidence grows of China’s broad access to sensitive U.S. communications, concerns over national security and personal privacy are intensifying. “It is much more serious and much worse than even what you all presume at this point,” warned Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, underscoring the gravity of the breach. With millions of Americans potentially vulnerable, China’s intentions are under heavy scrutiny, and the consequences could be profound.
How China Accessed Americans’ Calls and Texts
Salt Typhoon is not a random hack—it’s a highly sophisticated operation believed to be backed by China’s Ministry of State Security. The Chinese hackers have exploited a lawful-access system built by U.S. telecom companies, a system originally designed to help law enforcement execute warrants for real-time surveillance on suspected criminals. However, China has now subverted this secure line, transforming it into a dangerous tool for its own surveillance purposes. The hackers have reportedly penetrated this system deeply enough to intercept voice calls and monitor text messages. In fact, the breach may have started months ago, gradually spreading within the networks of at least three major U.S. carriers.
The lawful-access system was born out of heightened security needs following the September 11 attacks. Intended to assist law enforcement under strict legal oversight, the system is used in cases authorized by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). FISA permits surveillance on individuals suspected of espionage or terrorism—activities often tied to foreign entities. But in the hands of China’s Ministry of State Security, this system has been turned against Americans, allowing unauthorized eavesdropping on potentially millions of unsuspecting citizens. One source within the intelligence community confided to The Washington Post, “Right now, China has the ability to listen to any phone call in the United States, whether you are the president or a regular Joe, it makes no difference.”
The Methods: How China Hacks U.S. Telecom Networks
The methods China uses to spy on Americans are technical yet terrifyingly effective. According to Gary Miller, a former security executive, Chinese intelligence manipulates “signaling messages”—hidden commands sent between mobile operators to manage calls, locate phones, and set up roaming connections. These signaling messages, designed for network management, can be used for surveillance. By rerouting them through state-controlled networks, China can discreetly track users’ locations and even intercept calls.
Miller has tracked China’s “mass surveillance” efforts on U.S. mobile users for years. The Guardian reports that in 2018, Miller discovered an unusual pattern: thousands of unauthorized messages rerouted through China’s state-run telecom operator, China Unicom. These messages not only violated international telecom standards but also targeted U.S. phone users while they were abroad. Miller described these incidents as a “strong and clear indicator of a coordinated attack,” revealing China’s intent to monitor Americans extensively.
Further, Miller found evidence of simultaneous attacks, where the same users were tracked through multiple telecom providers, including Caribbean networks. This method allowed Chinese intelligence to mask its surveillance operations, bouncing signals across different regions to avoid detection. China’s espionage operation, therefore, doesn’t just rely on direct hacking—it manipulates global telecom infrastructure to conceal its tracks and extend its reach.
Silence and Scramble: The U.S. Government’s Response
Despite the significant risks, the U.S. government and telecom companies have remained largely silent on the breach. Since the attack was detected in August, officials have scrambled behind the scenes to understand the scale of the infiltration and contain the damage. The Washington Post reports that U.S. intelligence is struggling to determine just how many Americans have been targeted, how long the hackers have been inside the system, or how to fully secure the compromised networks. A Verizon spokesperson stated that the company is working with federal law enforcement to “confirm, assess and remediate any potential impact” of the breach. However, AT&T and Lumen Technologies, also implicated in the breach, have yet to offer a public response.
Some lawmakers, however, are demanding transparency. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi expressed frustration over the secrecy surrounding the breach, calling for telecom companies to inform customers. “How long have [the hackers] been doing this? What are we doing to combat it? What is the price to pay for them doing that?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for Americans to understand the scope of the threat and take necessary precautions, such as using encrypted messaging apps.
The U.S. government has, at best, released limited statements. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) jointly confirmed on October 25 that they are investigating “unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China.” Yet, for many Americans, these reassurances ring hollow; if a foreign government can access real-time conversations with such ease, what is stopping them from exploiting this breach further?
Chinese Surveillance: A Threat Beyond the Headlines
The potential repercussions of this espionage operation are alarming. Although there is no confirmed evidence that China intends to meddle in U.S. elections, many fear that the information obtained from American phones could be weaponized. Chinese intelligence could use personal data for blackmail, undermine U.S. officials, or even spread disinformation. In the worst-case scenario, China might leverage its deep access to disrupt telecommunications systems during a conflict, cutting off critical communication channels.
As Krishnamoorthi observed, China’s “backdoor” entry into the U.S. telecom infrastructure nullifies years of efforts to secure the network against Chinese influence. By breaking in through technical loopholes, China has outmaneuvered U.S. security measures designed to prevent espionage. “Not only are they potentially inserting malware to disrupt our telecommunications networks,” Krishnamoorthi told The Washington Post, “On top of that, it’s a surveillance system.”
What Comes Next: Accountability and Action
This breach has laid bare the U.S.’s vulnerability and the urgent need for telecom companies and the government to address these security gaps. A comprehensive security overhaul may be the only solution to keep Americans safe from foreign surveillance. The threat posed by Salt Typhoon could renew debates over the Patriot Act and FISA, laws that authorize government surveillance. The system designed to protect Americans has become a weapon in China’s hands, a reality some officials argue demands swift action.
But many believe more is needed than new policies. The American public, largely unaware of the risks, must be informed so they can protect themselves. Although apps like Signal and iMessage offer some security through encryption, these precautions are only effective if people are aware of the threat and the options available. “Americans can only change their practices … if they are aware of the threat,” Krishnamoorthi stressed, advocating for transparency and accountability.
ACZ Editor: Of course China can monitor our communications, we have allowed China to place equipment on our network via Huawei and others that are in effect very sophisticated listening devices. While they cannot possibly record every telephone conversation for every person, they can and probably do record every text you send, and perhaps even some of your photos.
Are you scared?
You should be.