China warns of 'spy turtles' and 'spy fish' monitoring its waters

China's Ministry of State Security has issued a stark warning, alleging that foreign powers are employing "spy turtles" and "spy fish" to monitor and map the nation's waters. In a WeChat post, the ministry described an "invisible secret war" where foreign agencies are purportedly gathering sensitive data through "new spy devices."

The ministry claims these aquatic agents, equipped with sensors, collect real-time information on water temperature, salinity, and currents, transmitting it abroad via satellite. While specific details on where or when these "spy turtles" and "fish" were discovered are scarce, China has frequently raised concerns about espionage in surrounding waters, including the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait.

To combat this alleged threat, Chinese media reports indicate the government offers financial rewards to fishermen who report discovering sea-based spy equipment. This initiative underscores Beijing's heightened vigilance and its efforts to involve citizens in national security efforts.

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They collected sensitive data on the marine environment, such as water temperature, salinity and ocean currents in real time, and transmitted them abroad via satellite.