China warns spies using sensor equipped marine animals

China's Ministry of State Security has issued a public warning that foreign intelligence agencies are deploying marine animals, including turtles and fish, fitted with sensors to conduct espionage in Chinese waters. The ministry stated on Friday, June 12, 2026, that an unseen covert war is unfolding as these animals collect sensitive environmental data and transmit it overseas via satellite.

According to the ministry, the animals have been discovered in certain Chinese waters, swimming in specific areas to gather information on water temperature, salinity, density, and ocean currents. Officials warned that this data, along with information collected by other devices, poses a serious threat to national security. The intelligence could be used to create detailed underwater maps to identify weaknesses in China's coastal defenses and provide insight into naval activities.

The warning detailed several other types of alleged espionage equipment. These include detection buoys capable of tracking the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines, solar-powered wave gliders that collect military-related maritime data, and electronic equipment installed on merchant ships to monitor port...