Chinese military base bans cars with data recorders

BEIJING: Amid a series of espionage cases, a Chinese military base has banned cars with event data recorders from entering its military areas as a precaution, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily reported.

According to the report, event data recorders can record sensitive information such as military activities and the lay of the land in and around military areas, which could lead to leaks of important intelligence.

There is no mention about the location of the base.

Media outlets have recently reported on a number of anti- espionage cases involving both military personnel and ordinary people and few Japanese have been arrested on the charges of spying.

"Espionage activities have become increasingly active in China in recent years as the nation sees a growing global influence," Li Wei, an expert at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.

"China is entering a crucial period. Many foreign countries are eager to get inside information about its national strategies, as others sabotage the country's development," Song Zhongping, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times last week.

Apart from military servicemen and government employees, overseas espionage organizations have been targeting ordinary Chinese citizens to help collect inside information, Li added.

According to a report by the Yangtze Evening News in May, security authorities in Jiangsu Province made arrests in three espionage cases involving three ordinary Internet users who were recruited by overseas espionage agents.

"Some Chinese citizens were lured by overseas espionage agencies with generous rewards, while others may not even realise that they are leaking sensitive information when they are paid to do some so-called scientific research or projects," Li said.

Ordinary Chinese citizens can draw little attention from authorities, while some live quite close to military facilities, allowing them to collect information easily, he said.

"Espionage can affect every citizen, so the government should enhance the security and secrecy consciousness of ordinary people," Song said.

Hainan and Jilin provinces have launched anti-espionage hotlines, through which people can report suspected espionage, media reported.

China passed a counter-espionage law in 2014 aimed at tightening state security.