China’s activities the U.S. power grid represent an “alarming” threat, according to Manny Cancel, senior vice president of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Cancel testified to this during a hearing in which lawmakers were told a cyberattack instigated by China could send U.S. military and other vulnerable sites into chaos.

“Chinese cyber activities are one of the most dynamic cyber threats. China continues to demonstrate increasing sophistication, including new and adaptive techniques to gain access to networks,” Cancel said to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

Testimony comes as the China and other actors have has made significant inroads to the U.S. power grid. Attacks have 77% in 2022, according to the committee.

According to a report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, China is “almost certainly capable” of launching cyberattacks that would disrupt critical infrastructure services within the US, including oil and gas pipelines and rail systems.

This testimony comes during increased tensions with China and Russia, including reports that Chinese hackers recently breached email accounts of U.S. officials from the State Department as well as U.S. Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R – Washington) states, “Imagine what is possible if the CCP attacks our grid.” Rodgers chairs the House Energy and Commerce committee.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning states that it is also a victim of hacking, and also accused the United States of “large-scale and indiscriminate cyberattacks on many countries.”

“We don’t think the US should hit out at China for political purposes,” she said Wednesday at a regular press briefing in Beijing.