China warns students, says ‘beautiful women, handsome guys’ can lure them into spying

The top spy agency of China has warned the students, who have access to sensitive data, to remain careful of “handsome men and beautiful women” who may fake their feelings and get them involved in spying for foreign entities while compromising national security.

The Ministry of State Security of China on Wednesday (September 4) launchedits public WeChat social media account, onwhich it warned the students, who it believes are likely to get manipulated in various ways and give some kind of sensitive information.

The ministry said that the state security departments have discovered evidence of personnel from intelligence organisations and those who are part of foreign espionage targeting young students, wooing them and getting access to sensitive data.

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“They take advantage of the characteristics of young students’ strong curiosity and willingness to try new things,” said a statement.

China's crackdown on spying threats

Chinese authorities have cracked down on things which appeared as threats to its national security and issued several warnings to its citizens. They have also made public the cases of spying that were uncovered by the government.

The agency has stated that those working for foreign intelligence agencies have been targeting those college students specifically who have access to classified and sensitive scientific research data.

These people have been approaching the students disguised as university scholars, employees of scientific research institutions and consulting companies, stated the agency.

These people have lured young students “with high-paying part-time opportunities in the name of market research, academic exchanges,” it further stated.

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The agency said that once the student expresses their interest, the foreign intelligence agencies provide them with so-called free training and guidance through video conferencing, telephone or social media.

The agency said that these agents are also approaching in the “disguise of handsome guys and beautiful women who are intimate and considerate, dragging young students into the trap of love with false feelings.”

“They show care in daily life, offering help and solving problems, earning the students’ trust,” warned the agency. “Some even pretend to be affectionate ‘handsome guys’ or ‘beautiful women,’ trapping young students in false romantic relationships," it added.

At last, the recruiters begin “manipulating the students into engaging in more covert illegal activities,” such as photographing sensitive military areas, read the post.

(With inputs from agencies)