The Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued a stern directive, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities directly to security channels or local departments rather than sharing them online. This unprecedented call comes in the wake of a significant breach of military secrets that was inadvertently disseminated through a live-streaming platform, underscoring Beijing’s escalating vigilance over national security in the digital realm.
According to a dispatch by the state-affiliated Global Times on September 28, the MSS revealed details of how a live-streamer unwittingly exposed sensitive military information. The incident, as highlighted by the ministry, serves as a potent reminder to the public that cyberspace is not an unregulated territory immune to state oversight. Beijing is signaling unequivocally that crossing this “red line” will incur severe penalties, reflecting a broader tightening of control over online content deemed sensitive.
The incident involved an individual identified as Chen, residing near a military airfield. One evening, upon hearing the roar of aircraft engines, Chen activated a live stream, broadcasting footage of low-flying planes in real-time. Despite repeated warnings from viewers in the comments section — explicit messages like “These are military aircraft,” “You cannot stream this,” “This is a leak of military secrets,” and “Stop the stream immediately” — Chen appeared to prioritize viewer engagement. The streamer reportedly ignored even a direct phone call from airfield security, refusing to cease filming and allegedly engaging in an altercation with personnel.
The live broadcast continued for nearly an hour, amassing over 20,000 views. During this period, sensitive operational details, including aircraft types and their take-off and landing times, were continuously leaked, posing a substantial threat to China’s military security, as stated by the MSS. A subsequent investigation concluded that Chen had knowingly violated national laws concerning the production and dissemination of such materials. China’s Criminal Code, specifically Article 432, stipulates imprisonment of up to five years for those who intentionally or negligently compromise state secrets, with more severe cases drawing sentences of five to ten years.
This public statement by the MSS clearly functions as a potent warning, designed to educate the Chinese populace about the potential grave repercussions of seemingly innocuous online activities like live-streaming or sharing photographs. The implications are far-reaching, given the immense popularity of live-streaming across China. Industry reports, such as The Chinese Livestreaming Report, estimate that over 400 million people actively engage with live video content across more than 200 platforms, making it a powerful and cost-effective medium for communication and commerce.
Alexander Lukin, Scientific Director of the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the global nature of such incidents. He noted that live-streaming, often akin to extended live reports where products are advertised and public figures engage audiences for hours, thrives on attracting attention. Lukin posited that any individual in any country found live-streaming sensitive military installations would likely face arrest, drawing parallels between China and Russia regarding the prevalence and commercial motivations behind streaming.
Lukin further observed that some forms of “trash content” – including street brawls, drunken antics, or harassment – have also emerged within the Chinese livestreaming landscape, sometimes involving foreign nationals. He recalled instances of foreigners being deported from China for participating in or producing such content, underscoring the strict regulatory environment that governs online behavior within the country’s borders. The incident thus serves as a stark illustration of Beijing’s unwavering commitment to imposing stringent controls on digital platforms, particularly where national security interests are perceived to be at stake.