Beijing, December 28, 2025 (Agencies) – China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Sunday released three cautionary cases highlighting the risks of sharing occupational and military-related information online, including an incident in which an overseas espionage agency posed as a young female netizen to extract sensitive details from a military-affiliated employee.
According to the MSS, a military unit employee surnamed Li interacted with a female netizen on a dating app. Attracted to her profile and conversation style, Li engaged with her, during which she repeatedly inquired about internal unit information. Realizing the risk, Li terminated contact and reported the situation to state security authorities. Investigations confirmed that such accounts were online traps set by foreign espionage agencies aiming to recruit individuals within China to steal sensitive information.
In a second case, a former military serviceman, Zhao, shared photos of himself in uniform on social media. An internet user with an overseas IP address approached him under the guise of seeking “consultation” on military matters and offered monetary rewards. Zhao disclosed internal information several times before a friend, recognizing the potential security breach, reported the matter to the MSS, helping Zhao avoid deeper involvement. Zhao and his friend received recognition and rewards from the authorities for safeguarding national security.
A third case involved Wang, a university graduate applying for jobs online. He was contacted by an individual claiming to be an HR manager, offering a position that required photographing military vessels near a local port. Wang recognized the threat based on prior national security education and reported the activity to the MSS. Investigations revealed that the company had overseas connections and was suspected of monitoring important military movements. Wang received a reward for providing critical intelligence.
The MSS urged the public, particularly personnel in sensitive positions, to remain vigilant against online recruitment traps, high-pay “easy work” offers, and seemingly warm or friendly advances aimed at eliciting confidential information. Authorities emphasized that exercising caution online is both a personal responsibility and a crucial contribution to national security.
The ministry’s announcement serves as a reminder of ongoing foreign intelligence threats and reinforces the importance of safeguarding occupational and military information in digital interactions.