China Cautions Citizens Against Unwittingly Leaking State Secrets

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) issued an online warning on Sunday, urging citizens to be cautious about sharing information that could be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies.

The MSS highlighted cases where individuals, motivated by curiosity or a desire to showcase expertise, analyze satellite imagery of military locations, discussing details such as equipment models and construction progress. This type of online commentary, the MSS warned, can provide valuable clues to foreign intelligence agencies.

Foreign agents recruiting collaborators

The statement also revealed instances of foreign agents recruiting collaborators within China to install illegal spyware detection devices near airports, ports, and military bases. These devices can reportedly transmit stolen data directly to foreign spy satellites, posing a significant national security risk.

The MSS encouraged immediate reporting of any suspicious activity, including offers for free device installations or data sharing arrangements.

Space-based espionage by foreign actors

The MSS highlighted the increasing use of space-based technology for espionage, with foreign actors allegedly leveraging remote sensing satellites to conduct real-time surveillance of China. These efforts are allegedly bolstered by data analysis from professionals and even unsuspecting netizens.

The warning cautioned against the inadvertent sharing of sensitive information online. Examples include uploading photos of sensitive areas, particularly military installations, to map applications. Additionally, the MSS discouraged public discussions on social media platforms concerning military matters and classified information.