China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has alleged that foreign espionage agencies are deploying animals fitted with sensors, including 'spy turtles' and 'spy fish', to monitor Chinese waters. The claim was made in a post on the Chinese social media platform WeChat on June 10, 2026, according to state media reports.
The MSS post described a case where a 'spy turtle' was discovered with an electronic device attached to its shell, allegedly used for underwater surveillance. The ministry did not provide specific details on when or where the turtle was found, nor did it name the foreign agencies involved.
This is not the first time China has raised concerns about unconventional espionage methods. In recent years, Beijing has warned about 'spy pigeons' and other animals being used for intelligence gathering. However, independent verification of these claims remains limited, as the MSS often releases such information without providing evidence.
Experts note that while the use of animals for espionage is theoretically possible, it is rare and impractical for sustained surveillance. The claims may be part of broader efforts by Chinese authorities to heighten public vigilance against foreign threats, amid ongoing tensions with Western nations over technology and security issues.
