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China's Ministry of State Security warns of spy-modified souvenirs from overseas trips

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 22, 2025 09:02 AM

China's Ministry of State Security published an article on Tuesday warning that souvenirs brought back home from overseas trips may be covertly modified by foreign intelligence agencies into "gifts" with real-time photo, audio, and location-tracking capabilities, potentially posing a threat to national security.

As the long summer holiday begins and outbound travel peaks, tourists often buy unique local souvenirs to preserve their memories—yet some seemingly innocuous trinkets may conceal hidden threats to the national security, the article wrote.

It reminded the public that locally unique exotic pets and live plants often harbor harmful organisms and pathogens. Once introduced, they can spread pests and diseases or reproduce unchecked, displacing native species and endangering agricultural production and ecological security.

Some "local specialty" souvenirs sold overseas may hide malicious intent—for example, maps that misdraw, omit, or mislabel Chinese territory, thereby undermining our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such items are strictly banned across borders, said the article.

The ministry noted that foreign intelligence services may convert innocuous trinkets—backpack charms, keychains, necklaces, or earrings—into photo- and audio-surveillance devices with real-time tracking. They then gift or sell them to public officials, classified-unit staff, and university researchers and students, all in an attempt to steal state secrets and other sensitive information.

"While traveling abroad, keep national security and counterintelligence in mind — be wary of strangers who seem overly eager or behave oddly, and never divulge personal or sensitive information. Should someone offer you a souvenir or gift, refuse outright to avoid falling into a trap set by foreign espionage agencies," said the article.