Chinese spy ministry warns of foreign NGOs stealing ‘environmental data’

China’s top spy agency recently raised concerns about foreign NGOs and foundations stealing “environmental data” from China under the pretext of research and environmental protection. The Ministry of State Security revealed two cases where sensitive data was stolen, risking national security. One case involved a professor illegally collecting data from a national wetland reserve, while the other implicated a foreign university and an NGO in stealing data from a nature reserve in southwest China.

The ministry highlighted the serious damage caused by such actions to ecological security and warned of potential data leaks from Chinese companies. It urged the public to report any instances of environmental espionage. These revelations come amidst tightening anti-espionage laws in China and increased activity on social media by the Ministry of State Security, emphasizing the need to be vigilant against foreign threats.

State Security Minister Chen Yixin stressed the ministry’s commitment to protecting a wide range of security areas, from traditional to non-traditional, including biosecurity and artificial intelligence. This warning serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks posed by foreign espionage and the importance of safeguarding sensitive data.