China warns its citizens against posting photos of things and objects considered sensitive

As the tension between the US and China escalates, China has issued a warning to its citizens who are “military fans,” cautioning them against posting photos of sensitive military objects and activities. This move is prompted by concerns that amateur enthusiasts’ photos shared online can provide valuable intelligence to western experts analyzing China’s military capabilities.

The Ministry of State Security, China’s secretive civilian spy agency, issued a post on WeChat, the Chinese messaging platform. The post acknowledged military fandom as a “cool hobby” but emphasized the need for caution. It stated that some individuals among military enthusiasts pose a threat to national military security by illegally obtaining and disseminating sensitive information related to national defense and military-industrial units.

The spy agency expressed particular concern about enthusiasts focusing on military airports, ports, and defense installations, using telephoto lenses or drones to clandestinely capture images. The post warned that online images could reveal details about the construction of warships or aircraft, potentially disclosing operational and technical information about military hardware.

This move reflects China’s awareness of the role open-source intelligence plays in analyzing its military advancements. Western experts often rely on images and information posted by enthusiasts to monitor China’s rapid modernization of its armed forces.

The consequences for violating these rules are severe, with repeat offenders facing imprisonment of up to seven years. However, first-time or occasional offenders may receive a warning.

China’s recent efforts to enhance security measures and protect sensitive information extend beyond this warning. The country has launched a social media account dedicated to educating citizens about the risks of exposing secrets and urging them to join the fight against espionage. This heightened paranoia reflects China’s broader strategy to safeguard its military and technological advancements amid geopolitical tensions.