China has warned amateur military enthusiasts that they could be imprisoned for taking and posting Chinese army tech images online.
According to CNN, individuals found guilty of such actions may face severe legal consequences, with potential imprisonment of up to seven years for repeat offenders, while first-time or occasional offenders may receive warnings.
A Great Wall 236 submarine of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, billed by Chinese state media as a new type of conventional submarine, participates in a naval parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of China's PLA Navy in the sea near Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on April 23, 2019.
China to Amateur Military Enthusiasts: 'You Must Be Very Careful'
In a WeChat post titled "This is a cool hobby, but you must be very careful," China's Ministry of State Security expressed concerns about the unauthorized acquisition and dissemination of sensitive national defense information on the internet by individual military enthusiasts.
The post specifically highlighted the use of telephoto lenses or drones by enthusiasts near military airports, ports, and defense facilities, endangering national military security.
In response to the increasing prevalence of images captured and shared by military fans on social media platforms like Weibo, the Ministry of State Security noted the need for caution, revealing the potential risks posed by such activities.
Underlining its commitment to safeguarding national security, the agency said that violators could face imprisonment as part of a broader effort to tighten security measures in various sectors amid escalating tensions with the United States.
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The Fujian
CNN reported a specific concern regarding the impact of online imagery on the security of military hardware, with a particular mention of aircraft carriers.
Notably, China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has been a subject of interest for amateur spotters as it undergoes construction at a Shanghai shipyard.
The post explained that online images could reveal critical details about the construction progress, operational aspects, and technical specifications of military hardware, potentially compromising security.
There are also reported instances where images captured by enthusiasts provided insights into the progress of significant programs, such as the electromagnetic catapult system testing on the Fujian aircraft carrier. The Fujian, the largest military vessel ever made in China, is considered a rival to the newest US Navy carriers.
The cautionary post also referenced a case from April 2023, when a military enthusiast named Mr. Luo was sentenced to one year in prison for capturing images of the Fujian carrier using a drone capable of filming long-range, high-resolution photos.
The case serves as a precedent, illustrating the severity of how Chinese authorities handle such incidents. However, CNN also reported that it is not only China that is cautious about potentially disclosing sensitive information through online imagery.
The United States also prohibits capturing images of specific military installations and equipment without proper permission, with potential violators facing imprisonment under US law.
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