China's ministry of state security has claimed that foreign espionage and intelligence agencies are deploying innovative methods to monitor the country's waters, including using 'spy' animals equipped with sensors. In a post on the Chinese platform WeChat on Friday, the ministry warned of an 'invisible secret war' unfolding in the seas around China, as foreign agencies collect sensitive data through new spying devices to create underwater maps that threaten national security.
Allegations of Spy Animals
The ministry claimed that large marine animals, such as 'spy turtles' and 'spy fish,' have been found with sensors attached while swimming in Chinese waters. These animals are allegedly 'collecting sensitive marine environment data like water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents in real time, transmitting them overseas via satellite.' No specifics were provided about where the animals were found or who equipped them.
Historical Context
Allegations of marine animals used for spying are not new. In 2023, British intelligence reported that Russia was using trained dolphins to enhance security at its Sevastopol Black Sea fleet base in Crimea. The UK defence intelligence agency stated that Russia had trained bottlenose dolphins to counter enemy divers, keeping them in floating pens in the harbour.
Other Espionage Devices
China's state security ministry also reported finding buoys deployed by an overseas marine research institute, equipped with meteorological sensors capable of tracking the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines in real time. Additionally, the ministry cited a new type of 'wave glider' powered by wave motion and solar energy, used by foreign actors to transmit military-related maritime environmental data and information on vessel activities.
Regular Claims of Espionage
China frequently alleges espionage in nearby waters, including the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait—some of the most militarily sensitive areas globally. In 2024, it claimed to have identified hidden 'lighthouses' on the ocean floor that could guide foreign submarines and preset battlefields. Chinese media reports indicate that the government offers financial rewards of 50,000 to 500,000 yuan (£5,500 to £55,000) to fishers who uncover spying devices in its waters.
