‘Spy turtles’ and ‘spy fish’ being used to monitor Chinese waters, Beijing claims
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- China’s Ministry of State Security has accused foreign espionage agencies of using innovative methods, including “spy” marine animals fitted with sensors, to monitor Chinese waters and collect sensitive data.
- The ministry claimed that animals like turtles and fish equipped with sensors transmit real-time marine environmental data overseas, posing a threat to national security.
- Other alleged spying techniques include buoys with meteorological sensors tracking Chinese submarines and wave gliders powered by wave motion and solar energy transmitting military-related maritime data.
- China frequently accuses foreign powers of espionage in contested maritime regions such as the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, and offers financial rewards to fishers who discover spying devices.
- Similar allegations have been made previously, including reports of Russia using trained dolphins for military security at its Black Sea fleet base.