‘Spy turtles’ and ‘spy fish’ being used to monitor Chinese waters, Beijing claims

Beijing’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has publicly warned that overseas intelligence agencies are using marine animals—including turtles and fish—outfitted with sensors to monitor Chinese waters. The claim frames the activity as part of an ‘invisible secret war’ targeting sensitive maritime data, with the MSS urging foreign governments to halt such deployments.

Coverage emphasizes the novelty and stealth of the alleged surveillance method, with outlets like *The Guardian*, *The Telegraph*, and *Global Times* framing it as a high-stakes diplomatic and technological dispute. The MSS’s statement, carried by state media, suggests the devices are being used to gather intelligence on military, economic, or environmental assets along China’s coastline.

No foreign agency has confirmed the use of such methods, but the claim follows broader tensions over maritime surveillance in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Watch for potential counter-accusations or technical rebuttals from accused parties, as well as further details on the alleged capabilities of these sensor-equipped animals.