Caution Urged Over Sensitive Information Sharing Amid Recent Espionage Cases

On December 1, the Ministry of State Security (MSS) released a statement via its WeChat account urging individuals to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information online. This advisory emphasizes that such information can serve as a treasure trove for foreign espionage agencies, posing a considerable threat to national security if not properly evaluated or declassified.

In addition, the "Baomi Guan" WeChat account, managed by China's National Administration of State Secrets Protection, detailed two recent espionage incidents involving well-educated individuals who supplied classified military and technological data to foreign intelligence. In one notable case, a scholar identified only by his surname, Zhou, who specializes in advanced communication technologies, attracted foreign spies' interest when he disclosed details on his visa application. After moving abroad for postdoctoral research, he found himself in meetings with foreign agents, where they attempted to recruit him with lucrative offers, a gesture he appeared to accept tacitly. Upon his return to China, Zhou continued to share sensitive information, leading to an investigation. He ultimately provided over 200 classified documents related to critical Chinese military technology, resulting in a life imprisonment sentence for espionage.

Another case involved a senior researcher at a Chinese military institute, known by the surname Zhang, who was sentenced to 15 years for espionage activities. In 2011, during an academic visit to a Western country, Zhang was approached by an individual claiming to be a military officer. The appeal of the project's relevance to Zhang's own research led to a quick bond between the two. The individual, later revealed to be part of a foreign intelligence agency, enticed Zhang with promises of assistance in personal matters, ultimately making him complicit in espionage. After returning to China, Zhang gathered sensitive intelligence regarding the national military-industrial sector and disclosed significant details about weapons systems development.

Authorities have called for the public to be vigilant against the tactics employed by foreign intelligence operatives. These spies often disguise themselves as overseas scholars or research partners, utilizing academic collaborations and publication opportunities to gather sensitive data. Additionally, some pose as close acquaintances to exploit emotional ties, while others may engage targets as online "friends," consultants, or even local journalists to build trust and extract critical information related to defense and technology sectors.