China warns souvenirs from overseas could spy on citizens and leak state secrets
citizens travelling abroad to be cautious while accepting souvenirs that could have surveillance capabilities.
Items such as backpack charms, key rings, necklaces and earrings might have hidden
spy functions , including cameras, listening devices and tracking features, the Ministry of State Security warned on social media on Tuesday.
It said the public must understand national security regulations and exercise caution with these 'modified travel souvenirs'.
It added that overseas spy agencies might push these altered gifts through 'forced gifting'. State sector personnel, employees in classified roles, and
scholars and
students in universities and research institutions are prime targets, according to the ministry.
It said these gifts could pose a risk of leaking state secrets if they entered classified workplaces.
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