Secret ‘Spy Turtles’ Cause Panic in China

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China’s security ministry claimed Friday that foreign intelligence agencies are using sensor-equipped marine animals to gather information in the country’s waters.

In a post on WeChat, the Ministry of State Security warned that an “invisible secret war” was unfolding at sea, with foreign actors collecting sensitive data through “a variety of new spying devices” to create underwater maps that pose a “serious threat to our national security.” Among the methods cited were “spy turtles” and “spy fish,” allegedly found with sensors attached.

The ministry said the animals were collecting data on water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents in real time before transmitting it overseas via satellite.

The ministry also said it had discovered buoys deployed by “an overseas marine research institute” that could track the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines, as well as a “wave glider” used to transmit “military-related maritime environmental data and information on vessel activities.” China has repeatedly warned of alleged foreign espionage activities in sensitive waters, including in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait.

Chinese media have reported that fishermen can receive rewards of up to 500,000 yuan ($73,000) for uncovering suspected surveillance devices.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/12/china-spy-turtles-spy-fish-monitor-waters-claims">Read it at The Guardian

https://www.thedailybeast.com/secret-spy-turtles-cause-panic-in-china/">Read more at The Daily Beast.