China’s top anti-spy agency has advised citizens travelling abroad to be cautious while accepting souvenirs that could have surveillance capabilities.
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Items such as backpack charms, key rings, necklaces and earrings might have hidden spy functions, including cameras, listening devices and tracking features, the Ministry of State Security warned on social media on Tuesday.
It said the public must understand national security regulations and exercise caution with these “modified travel souvenirs”.
It added that overseas spy agencies might push these altered gifts through “forced gifting”. State sector personnel, employees in classified roles, and scholars and students in universities and research institutions are prime targets, according to the ministry.
It said these gifts could pose a risk of leaking state secrets if they entered classified workplaces.
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Under China’s counter-espionage law, individuals and organisations are prohibited from the unlawful use or possession of specialised equipment designed for spy activities. The law’s amended version further clarifies the legal liability for assisting others in carrying out espionage.
