China Claims Foreign Intelligence Using Marine Animals to Spy on Its Waters

China has claimed its waters are being spied on by foreign intelligence agencies using innovative new methods, including deploying marine animals equipped with sensors to act as spies. The Ministry of State Security warned of an ‘invisible secret war’ taking place in the country’s waters, accusing foreign intelligence bodies of covertly gathering sensitive data using various new espionage devices to create underwater maps that threaten China’s national security. China claims one of the espionage techniques used involves large marine animals, including ‘spy fish’ and ‘spy turtles’, which were found carrying a number of sensors whilst swimming in Chinese waters. These animals are alleged to collect sensitive environmental data, such as water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents in real-time, which is then transmitted overseas via satellite. The information was posted on WeChat, though the Ministry of State Security’s post did not provide specific details about where the animals were found or who attached the sensors to them. The ministry also claimed to have discovered buoys placed by foreign marine research institutions that were fitted with meteorological sensors, enabling the real-time tracking of the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines. The ministry further mentioned a new type of ‘wave glider’ powered by wave motion and solar energy, which it claims was placed by foreign parties to transmit military-related marine environmental data and information on vessel activity. China frequently alleges espionage attempts in its surrounding waters, including the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. In 2024, China claimed to have found a lighthouse hidden on the seabed that could guide the transit of foreign submarines. The Chinese government is offering bonuses ranging from 50,000 yuan to 500,000 yuan to fishermen who successfully recover spy devices in its waters.