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China Accuses Foreign Spies of Using Sensor Turtles, Fish

6/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

China’s security ministry says foreign spies use sensor-equipped turtles and fish to gather data in waters.
The ministry warned that foreign intelligence agencies have deployed buoys and wave gliders in Chinese seas.
The devices transmit water temperature, salinity, currents and submarine acoustic signatures to overseas satellites.
Fishermen can receive up to 500,000 yuan for turning in spy gear as warning follows South China Sea tensions and sanctions on Philippine defence secretary.

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Story summary

China’s security ministry says foreign spies use sensor-equipped turtles and fish to gather data in waters.
The ministry warned that foreign intelligence agencies have deployed buoys and wave gliders in Chinese seas.
The devices transmit water temperature, salinity, currents and submarine acoustic signatures to overseas satellites.
Fishermen can receive up to 500,000 yuan for turning in spy gear as warning follows South China Sea tensions and sanctions on Philippine defence secretary.