China Accuses Foreign Spy Agencies of Deploying “Spy Turtles” and “Spy Fish” in Its Waters

On 12 June 2026 the Ministry of State Security (MSS) posted on WeChat that an “invisible secret war” is unfolding in the seas surrounding China. It said large marine animals have been fitted with sensors that collect water temperature, salinity and current data in real time and transmit the information overseas via satellite. The ministry warned that such activity threatens national security.

China accuses foreign agencies of using 'spy turtle', 'spy fish' for monitoring waters

Claims of animal-based espionage have appeared before. In 2019 a beluga whale found off Norway carried a harness that analysts linked to the Russian navy. In 2023 the British Ministry of Defence reported Russian training of dolphins near Crimea to counter divers. The U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program has openly used dolphins and sea lions for mine detection since the 1960s. Scientific projects also routinely tag marine fauna with sensors for oceanographic research.

China Warns of “Spy Turtles” and “Spy Fish” Collecting Data in Its WatersThe GuardianKTVT - Dallas - Fort Worth NewsChina accuses foreign agencies of using 'spy turtle', 'spy fish' for monitoring waters

The MSS listed “spy turtles,” “spy fish,” detection buoys, buoys deployed by an overseas marine research institute, and a wave-glider powered by wave motion and solar energy as the alleged tools. Chinese media said authorities offer fishermen rewards of 50,000 to 500,000 yuan (about $5,500-$73,000) for turning in suspected espionage equipment, with some anglers reportedly receiving the top payout.

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According to the MSS, foreign intelligence services have continuously collected and stolen sensitive maritime data through new espionage equipment. The agency claims the goal is to produce underwater maps of China’s coastline, monitor offshore oil and gas fields, and track acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines. Researchers, fishers and vessel owners were urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious devices.

The Guardian

Independent analysts note that the MSS provided no coordinates, no recovered hardware and named no specific foreign nation. An SOFX analysis highlighted the absence of any identified country, location or tangible evidence. Scientists stress that sensor-tagging of marine life is a standard research method and that wave-gliders are widely employed for civilian oceanography, making attribution of hostile intent difficult.

China Warns of “Spy Turtles” and “Spy Fish” Collecting Data in Its Waters

• “An unseen covert war of espionage is currently unfolding” — Ministry of State Security, WeChat post

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• “collecting sensitive marine environment data such as water temperature, salinity and ocean currents in real time, and transmitting them overseas via satellite” — Ministry of State Security, WeChat post

The Guardian

• “ The ministry named no country, gave no location for where the animals had supposedly been found, and produced no evidence.” — Analysis in SOFX report

China Warns of “Spy Turtles” and “Spy Fish” Collecting Data in Its Waters

• “Scientists routinely tag marine animals with sensors for oceanography, and unmanned wave gliders drift for months collecting ocean data.” — SOFX commentary

China Warns of “Spy Turtles” and “Spy Fish” Collecting Data in Its Waters

Chinese authorities say they will continue to solicit reports from coastal communities and maintain the bounty scheme, while foreign governments have not issued public responses. Verification of the alleged animal-based spying remains pending, leaving the issue unresolved in regional security discussions.

China accuses foreign agencies of using 'spy turtle', 'spy fish' for monitoring waters