Beware of overseas spies bearing souvenirs, China warns travellers

China’s top anti-spy agency has advised citizens travelling abroad to be wary of accepting souvenirs that could be used for surveillance.

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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 to 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 spying. The law’s amended version further clarifies the legal liability for helping others to conduct espionage.

  

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