China’s security service claims to have found what it says are illegal weather stations in several provinces. There will be hundreds of devices that will contain foreign components that send real-time weather information to other countries.
according to a permit From the security apparatus, there were several meteorological stations in sensitive locations. Partly near military bases and defense companies, where altitude and GPS data were collected, and partly near large grain farms, in order to collect information on how crops are developing, among other things.
“Potential risks” to China’s security
According to Chinese authorities, some weather stations have sent real-time information to foreign meteorological institutes on multiple occasions for long periods. The security service believes this means “potential risks” because it could jeopardize China’s sovereignty and security.
In addition to the security risks, the security service also points out that weather stations violate several Chinese laws and regulations on how weather information is collected and how that information is shared. It is possible that the stations lack the required permission from the country’s authorities, but also that the weather data they collected was not sent to the Chinese authorities or that the data was sent outside the country’s borders without obtaining the necessary approval.
China claims in the statement that these weather stations are directly funded by foreign governments, without elaborating on their identity.
Spy balloons and weather data
CNN Reports indicate that the crackdown on weather stations is the latest step in a broader counter-espionage campaign waged by Xi Jinping’s government.
It also occurs after eight months of conflict with spy balloons sent over the United States by China which, according to reports, may have accessed sensitive information. The balloons were dropped, and the Chinese government claimed that they were merely collecting weather data and that the United States was pulling a feather.
Read also: Details: Chinese spy balloon found sensitive information
Read also: Expert: Balloons are just a small part of Chinese intelligence operations
Read also: Biden aims to hold “constructive” talks with Xi
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