China's Ministry of State Security has alleged that foreign intelligence agencies are employing animals, referred to as 'spy turtles' and 'spy fish', equipped with sensors to monitor its waters. In a statement released on WeChat, the ministry described an 'invisible secret war' occurring in the seas surrounding China, where these animals are purportedly gathering sensitive marine data such as water temperature and ocean currents, transmitting this information via satellite. The ministry did not specify the locations where these animals were found or the identities of those who equipped them.
The claims follow previous reports of marine animals being used for espionage, including trained dolphins by Russia, as noted by British intelligence. Additionally, the Chinese ministry mentioned the discovery of buoys allegedly deployed by foreign marine research institutes, which are said to track the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines. It also referenced a new type of wave glider used to transmit military-related maritime data. China has frequently asserted that espionage activities are taking place in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, areas that are strategically significant. The Chinese government reportedly offers financial incentives to fishermen for reporting spying devices found in its waters.