China Claims 500,000-Yuan Hunt Uncovered Spy Turtles, Fish and Buoys in Its Waters
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 12
China Claims 500,000-Yuan Hunt Uncovered Spy Turtles, Fish and Buoys in Its Waters
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 12
Summary
China’s state security ministry said foreign agencies are using sensor-fitted “spy turtles” and “spy fish” to gather real-time data in Chinese waters and send it overseas by satellite.
The ministry said the animals and other devices were helping build underwater maps from water temperature, salinity and current data, calling the effort an “invisible secret war” that threatens national security.
It also said it found buoys from an overseas marine research institute that could track Chinese submarines’ acoustic signatures, along with wave-powered, solar-assisted gliders collecting military-related maritime and vessel data.
China has repeatedly alleged spying in the South China Sea, East China Sea and Taiwan Strait, and Chinese media say fishers can receive 50,000 to 500,000 yuan for turning in suspected devices.