China Central Television (CCTV) reports that state security agencies have uncovered and disrupted foreign espionage operations aimed at obtaining the genetic data and seed resources of key crops including soybeans, corn, and rice. According to the report, foreign intelligence services sought to acquire hybrid parent seeds — which are banned from export — by recruiting domestic collaborators and using covert methods, such as concealing seeds in export consignments. One suspect, surnamed Zhu, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison, while 17 others were given administrative penalties.
The report claims that foreign “research teams,” in some cases linked to diplomats, made repeated attempts to enter major grain-producing regions to gather data on production and reserves under the guise of field studies. These individuals allegedly employed counter-surveillance techniques, including changing vehicles, traveling on rural routes, and displaying cautious behavior in the field, before being intercepted by security officials.
CCTV described these activities as a significant threat to China’s food security and to the protection of its agricultural genetic resources. National security agencies stated that they are continuing to investigate and prevent such incidents, and called on the public to report suspicious activity through official channels.
Source: CCTV, November 3, 2025
https://news.cctv.com/2025/11/03/ARTIVnWtm4dzLDLv654LYruG251103.shtml