China warns of 'spy turtles' and 'spy fish' in new espionage alert

China's Ministry of State Security has issued a warning about a potential new espionage tactic involving the use of "spy turtles" and "spy fish." The ministry describes these devices as low-cost and difficult to detect, presenting a significant challenge for security forces.

According to the ministry's statement, identifying the origin and operators of such devices operating in open seas is particularly difficult, complicating efforts to hold anyone accountable. This ambiguity makes them a potent tool for intelligence gathering.

The ministry has called on research institutions, ship owners, and fishermen to exercise heightened vigilance regarding equipment originating from foreign sources. They are urged to report any unknown buoys or suspicious devices encountered to the authorities promptly.

The announcement also recalled a past incident where a Chinese fisherman discovered a suspicious structure he described as a "spy fish," which was subsequently handed over to authorities. The Ministry of State Security emphasized that maritime security is a cornerstone of national security and pledged to intensify efforts against maritime espionage activities.