China Warns of 'Invisible Secret War' Using Spy Turtles and Fish
China's ministry of state security stated on Friday that foreign espionage agencies are using new methods to monitor the country's waters, including marine animals fitted with sensors and other devices.
Key Allegations
The ministry posted on WeChat, warning of an 'invisible secret war' in the seas around China. It claimed foreign agencies are collecting sensitive data to produce underwater maps, posing a threat to national security.
Alleged Techniques Include:
- 'Spy turtles' and 'spy fish' with sensors that collect data on water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents, transmitted via satellite.
- Buoys deployed by an overseas marine research institute equipped with meteorological sensors that track acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines.
- 'Wave gliders' powered by wave motion and solar energy, used to transmit military-related maritime data and vessel activity information.
Background & Context
Similar allegations have been made before. In 2023, British intelligence reported Russia training dolphins to protect its Black Sea fleet base.
China regularly claims espionage occurs in nearby waters, including:
- The South China Sea
- The East China Sea
- The Taiwan Strait
In 2024, China reported identifying 'lighthouses' on the ocean floor that could guide foreign submarines.
Financial Incentives for Fishermen
Chinese media reports indicate the government offers financial rewards to fishers who uncover spying devices, ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 yuan (approximately $7,000 to $70,000 USD).