Chinese intelligence agency cautions young people against being swayed by attractiveness
China’s intelligence agency has advised young people to be cautious of ‘beautiful’ men and women who might entice them into espionage. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
China’s Ministry of State Security, the primary agency overseeing foreign intelligence and counter-espionage, has cautioned young individuals that "handsome boys and pretty girls" they may encounter could be honeytraps designed to entice them into espionage activities for foreign entities.
This warning was communicated through the agency’s official WeChat account on Wednesday, specifically targeting students, particularly those who have access to sensitive information or classified research data. The ministry urged them not to fall prey to attractive appearances, highlighting that these could be traps orchestrated by “overseas spy intelligence agencies.” It stated that such organizations frequently aim at young Chinese students, presenting themselves as “close friends and confidants” to “win over, lure, and coerce” them into a deceptive “love trap.”
Furthermore, the ministry noted that some foreign intelligence agencies offer “high-paying part-time jobs” for students, often using unclear language to gather information under the pretense of market research or academic exchanges. According to the ministry, agents typically masquerade as academics, researchers, or consultants, preying on the curiosity and adventurous spirit of young people.
The ministry did not specify which foreign agencies have targeted students in this way, but it is recognized that China often exchanges espionage accusations with the US and the UK.
This latest alert follows a scandal in New York wherein Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff for Governor Kathy Hochul, was charged with acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government. Additionally, in June, China announced the arrest of two of its nationals on suspicion of assisting the British foreign intelligence service MI6.
The agency's WeChat account became active in August of last year, coinciding with the enhancement of China’s counter-espionage law, which granted authorities greater powers to combat espionage activities. Since then, the ministry has released numerous warnings like the recent one, aimed at raising awareness of counterintelligence efforts among the Chinese populace.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
This warning was communicated through the agency’s official WeChat account on Wednesday, specifically targeting students, particularly those who have access to sensitive information or classified research data. The ministry urged them not to fall prey to attractive appearances, highlighting that these could be traps orchestrated by “overseas spy intelligence agencies.” It stated that such organizations frequently aim at young Chinese students, presenting themselves as “close friends and confidants” to “win over, lure, and coerce” them into a deceptive “love trap.”
Furthermore, the ministry noted that some foreign intelligence agencies offer “high-paying part-time jobs” for students, often using unclear language to gather information under the pretense of market research or academic exchanges. According to the ministry, agents typically masquerade as academics, researchers, or consultants, preying on the curiosity and adventurous spirit of young people.
The ministry did not specify which foreign agencies have targeted students in this way, but it is recognized that China often exchanges espionage accusations with the US and the UK.
This latest alert follows a scandal in New York wherein Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff for Governor Kathy Hochul, was charged with acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government. Additionally, in June, China announced the arrest of two of its nationals on suspicion of assisting the British foreign intelligence service MI6.
The agency's WeChat account became active in August of last year, coinciding with the enhancement of China’s counter-espionage law, which granted authorities greater powers to combat espionage activities. Since then, the ministry has released numerous warnings like the recent one, aimed at raising awareness of counterintelligence efforts among the Chinese populace.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
