China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has warned that foreign intelligence agencies are intensifying efforts to illegally obtain genetic data and seed resources from the nation’s grain industry. The ministry described these actions as a growing threat to national food security.
Ministry Cites Escalating Espionage Risks
According to a statement released on the MSS’s official WeChat account, foreign agents have been increasingly targeting China’s agricultural sector in recent years. The ministry said they have sought to steal genetic information from key crops such as soybeans, corn, and rice. Officials warned that such thefts could undermine China’s ability to protect its grain supply and agricultural research.
Food security has long been viewed by Beijing as an essential element of national security. Analysts note that China’s stance mirrors the US approach to energy security, where economic and resource stability are closely tied to national safety.
Case of Seed Smuggling and Foreign Surveys
The ministry cited the case of a Chinese businessperson, identified only by the surname Zhu, who sold restricted “parental seeds” to a foreign entity under a supposed “joint seed cooperation” project. These seeds, which are used in hybrid experiments and banned from export, were hidden in containers falsely declared for other products.
Zhu was sentenced to one and a half years in prison. Seventeen others connected to the case received administrative punishments.
In another incident, the MSS said foreign consular staff and agricultural experts from “a certain country” conducted unauthorised field surveys in one of China’s key farming provinces. They reportedly collected information on crop yields and reserves while using counter-surveillance tactics, such as switching vehicles and travelling along rural backroads to avoid detection.
Public Urged to Stay Alert
The ministry said it had intervened in both cases and continues to monitor foreign activities in the sector. Authorities called on the public to report suspicious behaviour through official hotlines or online channels, emphasising that protecting agricultural resources is vital to national stability.
(with inputs from Reuters)
