China's Minister Paranoia Over Foreign Agents, Accuses Turtles and Fish of Espionage

China claims its waters are being monitored by foreign nations, allegedly using large marine animals such as turtles and fish fitted with sensors to conduct espionage. The information was disclosed by China’s Ministry of State Security in a post on the WeChat platform. The ministry described the activity as an invisible secret war aimed at collecting sensitive data on China.

“These animals collect real-time environmental data, such as temperature, salinity, and ocean currents, and transmit it abroad via satellite,” the ministry report stated. However, the ministry did not provide specific information regarding the locations of the alleged spy animals or identify which parties were responsible.

The Ministry of State Security also claimed to have found meteorological sensor buoys. These buoys, allegedly installed by research institutions of foreign powers, can track the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines in real time. Additionally, wave-powered gliders, which are propelled by wave motion and solar energy, were reportedly used by foreign entities to transmit maritime environmental data concerning military and vessel activities.

China has repeatedly made claims of espionage attempts in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait. In 2024, for instance, the country claimed to have discovered a lighthouse on the seabed intended to guide foreign submarines during transit and prepare the battlefield. Meanwhile, accusations of using marine animals for espionage were also made by British intelligence in 2023, alleging that Russia had enhanced security at its Black Sea fleet base in Sevastopol using trained dolphins.