Chinese Ministry of State Security

China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Thursday disclosed three state security cases involving sea, land, and air ports, noting that ports face new challenges as the bridges for international exchanges and economic cooperation – facilitating the flow of people, goods, and information.

One case disclosed by the MSS involved state security risks stemming from the attempt to bring classified documents across the border without authorization. 

An employee surnamed Gao from a secret-related agency who had planned to travel abroad on official duty was intercepted by relevant law enforcement authorities for illegally carrying a secret-level classified document out of the country. 

Investigation revealed that although Gao required the document for overseas work purposes, the person failed to follow the required procedures to obtain approval for taking classified information carriers abroad. Gao was subsequently given an administrative demerit.

According to the MSS, Chinese law strictly regulates the removal of state security-related material carriers from the country. Unauthorized transportation of classified documents abroad poses significant risks of leaks and breaches of national security. 

In another case, an employee from the publicity department of a company attempted to conduct aerial filming by bringing a drone into a restricted area of a port without going through required approvals or reporting. 

The individual intended to shoot aerial footage for promotional purposes and was promptly stopped by the relevant authorities in accordance with the laws. The Law enforcement officers immediately carried out legal education to the individual. 

State security authorities remind the public that restricted areas of ports involve matters of state security and must not be photographed without authorization. 

According to the MSS, ports serve multiple security functions including national border defense, military support and energy transportation since land, sea, and air routes converge at the hubs. However, some individuals unaware of port regulations record sensitive information, such as border layouts and specifications of dual-use military-civilian facilities, posing potential risks to state security. 

In the third case, the MSS disclosed a state security risk caused by a traveler who illegally brought undeclared fruit into the country.

A traveler was intercepted by relevant law enforcement. Testing revealed the presence of oriental fruit fly larvae in the fruit. Known as the “fruit killer,” this pest has high reproductive capacity and, if it spreads, could lead to significant crop losses. 

According to the MSS, biosafety is a vital component of state security. Port inspections act as the first line of defense against invasive species. The illegal entry of an exotic pet, a single shell, or even one seed could pose serious risks and hazards to China’s biological resources, ecosystems, agricultural production, and even the safety of people’s lives and property. 

The state security authorities remind inbound travelers to cooperate with port law enforcement agencies during quarantine inspections. It is strictly prohibited to bring or ship fresh produce, live animals, foreign soil, and other quarantine-related items into the country without authorization. 

Global Times