China's Ministry of State Security revealed that foreign intelligence agencies are employing new forms of surveillance technology, including smart detection buoys, sensor-equipped marine animals such as turtles and fish, wave-powered drones, and electronic devices on cargo ships, to collect sensitive maritime data related to China. The ministry warned this could severely impact the country's sovereignty, military security, and economy.
In an article published on the official WeChat account of China's Ministry of State Security, titled "Beneath the Deep Blue: Raging Currents Forming," details were disclosed about newly detected espionage devices found in Chinese waters.
Officials discovered relatively large live marine animals in certain areas fitted with sensor devices, creating what they termed "spy turtles" and "spy fish." These animals swim through targeted areas to collect delicate marine environmental data, such as water temperature, salinity, and current direction. This data is then transmitted in real-time via satellite networks back to foreign entities to create "underwater maps" used to identify vulnerabilities in China's coastal defense systems.
Additionally, spherical ocean monitoring buoys released by a foreign marine research institute were found. These buoys have weather sensors on top and anchor chains below to maintain position. They are equipped with high-precision acoustic sensors capable of intercepting surrounding sound waves and recording the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines in real-time.
Wave- and solar-powered devices sent in by foreign groups were also detected. These are fitted with positioning systems and radio communication equipment, enabling them to receive satellite commands and immediately transmit data on naval vessel activities and military maritime conditions back to their handlers.
Besides maritime equipment, China's Ministry of State Security exposed the behavior of a foreign company attempting to sell "new electronic devices installed on ships" to commercial cargo vessels, claiming these were supplementary services for general navigation.
In reality, these devices are multi-functional intelligence-gathering tools capable of tracking movements and activities within ports in real-time, while integrating weather and navigation data to covertly establish their own "maritime surveillance network."
The ministry emphasized that sensitive maritime information—such as current movements, water temperature characteristics, heat distribution, and seabed topography—if stolen by foreign espionage agencies, would severely harm China's military security and sovereignty.
Although the Chinese official statement did not explicitly name any country, analysts widely agree it refers to competing Western nations, with both sides frequently accusing each other of espionage activities.
Earlier this month, the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance—which includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—warned that Chinese spies are using online job platforms to infiltrate and lure confidential security personnel. Last year, Chinese authorities also cautioned officials to beware of "honeymoon" espionage tactics, where foreign female spies use charm to extract state secrets.
China's Ministry of State Security stated that maritime security is a vital component of national security requiring cooperation from all citizens. It issued warnings urging fishermen and shipping operators to be cautious of suspicious business collaborations and to report any unusual buoys or devices found at sea immediately. Ship owners were also strictly instructed not to purchase or install maritime service devices without clear provenance.
/Global Times/ AFP