Foreign intelligence agencies have stepped up efforts to infiltrate China's agricultural sector, illegally obtaining the genetic data of key crops such as soybeans, corn and rice, which poses a serious threat to the country's food security, according to several cases disclosed by the Ministry of State Security on Monday.

In an article on its official WeChat account, the ministry stated that foreign intelligence agencies have long been targeting China's grain and seed sectors, stealing core research data and undermining the nation's competitiveness in rice breeding and its overall food security.

In one instance, a foreign intelligence agency attempted to illegally acquire parent seeds, which are classified as key agricultural resources in China and strictly prohibited from being exported. The ministry said the agency lured an individual surnamed Zhu and his company with high payments, aiming to establish a partnership to purchase parent seeds under the guise of "joint seed production".

Motivated by profit, Zhu violated export controls by concealing parent seeds in containers declared as other goods to evade inspection. Zhu was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and 17 other individuals involved in the case received administrative penalties of varying degrees, the ministry added.

In another case, following a public tipoff, national security authorities discovered that personnel from a foreign consulate had led a team of agricultural and biotechnology specialists on multiple visits to major grain-producing areas in a Chinese province. Under the pretext of "field surveys", the team was instead unlawfully gathering data on crop yields and reserves.

The investigation found that the team used strong countersurveillance techniques and took precautions, including frequently changing vehicles between regions, traveling along rural roads, and making brief stops to avoid raising suspicions. Security authorities swiftly intervened and took legal action against the individuals involved.

The ministry, working with relevant departments, has cracked down on espionage activities by foreign agencies and their proxies, severing the "black hands" reaching for China's germplasm resources and effectively eliminating risks of data theft and leaks in the agricultural field.

These efforts, according to the article, have helped ensure the steady implementation of China's national food security strategy and strengthened the country's agricultural defense line.

The ministry also called on the public to remain vigilant and urged citizens to report suspicious activities that may endanger China's food security.

cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn