China warns of ‘spy turtles’ collecting secret sea data

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Beijing: The government reports that several huge marine animals like sea turtles and fishes have been found carrying devices that can record current patterns, salt levels, and ocean temperatures. Officials claimed that the data, which could be used to produce accurate underwater maps of China's coastline and neighbouring seas, was sent overseas by satellite.

Other surveillance devices, including as buoys equipped with sensors, solar-powered wave gliders, and electronic monitoring equipment mounted on ships, had also been allegedly used by actors, according to the MSS. As per Chinese officials, these gadgets might collect data on submarine activity, vessel movements, and maritime conditions.

Beijing contended that collection of marine environmental data could endanger national security by exposing weaknesses in military operations and coastal fortifications. The ministry did not, however, name the nation or intelligence organization responsible for the purported actions.

In militarily critical regions like the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea, China has regularly voiced concerns over foreign spying. Authorities reportedly provided incentives for information that led to the discovery of suspicious devices detected at sea, so they asked fishermen, shipowners, and coastal communities to be alert and report them.