China's Ministry of State Security alleges foreign agencies are waging an "unseen covert war" by using "spy turtles" and "spy fish" with sensors to collect maritime data. The ministry claims the goal is to create underwater maps and find coastal defense weaknesses. Beijing is offering rewards up to 500,000 yuan for citizens who report spy devices, amid historical parallels of Russia using dolphins for military purposes.
Chinese spy animal allegations
- ▪The ministry described the situation as an "unseen covert war of espionage" unfolding in the seas around China
- ▪China's Ministry of State Security alleged on June 12, 2026, that foreign intelligence agencies are using "spy turtles" and "spy fish" to monitor its waters
- ▪These sensor-equipped animals allegedly collected data on water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents, transmitting it overseas via satellite
- ▪The ministry stated that large marine animals with attached sensors have been found swimming in specific areas of Chinese waters
Foreign maritime espionage methods
- ▪In 2024, China claimed to have found "lighthouses" on the ocean floor intended to guide the transit of foreign submarines
- ▪The alleged goal of the espionage is to create underwater maps, monitor naval activities, and identify weak points in China's coastal defenses
- ▪Other alleged espionage methods include buoys tracking submarine acoustic signatures and solar-powered "wave gliders" transmitting military data
Chinese counter-espionage measures
- ▪The Ministry of State Security posted its allegations on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, urging citizens to be vigilant
- ▪The Chinese government offers financial rewards from 50,000 to 500,000 yuan for citizens who uncover spying devices in its waters
Historical marine animal espionage
- ▪In 2019, a beluga whale wearing a harness with a possible camera mount was found off the Norwegian coast, suspected of being trained by the Russian navy
- ▪In 2023, British intelligence reported that Russia was deploying trained dolphins at its Sevastopol naval base to counter enemy divers
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