China's Ministry of State Security has raised alarms about foreign espionage activities in its waters, alleging that foreign intelligence agencies are deploying marine animals equipped with sensors to gather sensitive data. Meanwhile, in Australia, One Nation's fundraising event has been relocated due to planned protests against the party's leadership.

Espionage Allegations by China
On Friday, the Chinese government announced that it has detected foreign espionage efforts in its maritime territories, claiming that "spy turtles" and "spy fish" have been found swimming with sensors attached. These animals are purportedly collecting real-time data on marine conditions such as temperature and salinity, which is then transmitted overseas via satellite. The ministry emphasized that this represents an "invisible secret war" against China, posing a significant threat to national security.

The ministry also highlighted the discovery of buoys equipped with meteorological sensors, allegedly placed by foreign research institutes to monitor the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines. This follows previous claims made by China regarding foreign surveillance efforts, including the use of underwater drones and other advanced technologies in sensitive regions like the South China Sea.

One Nation Fundraiser Relocation
In Australia, One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has moved its fundraising event from Giorgio Casa in Melbourne to an undisclosed location due to anticipated protests. The decision came after Victorian police expressed concerns regarding potential unrest at the event. Although the fundraiser was reportedly sold out, the exact attendance numbers remain undisclosed.

The Victorian Socialists and the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism are among the groups planning to protest, calling for a demonstration against what they describe as racism and bigotry associated with One Nation. Omar Hassan, a spokesperson for the Victorian Socialists, stated that if Hanson and Joyce do not attend, it would be considered a victory for the protestors.

Police Presence and Local Warnings
Victoria police confirmed that while they were aware of the change in venue, they would maintain a presence in the area to manage any potential protests. The Moonee Ponds city council also issued warnings to locals about attending the area, citing police advice regarding the planned protests and announcing temporary road closures for safety.

Recent events have shown a pattern of public dissent against One Nation, with previous fundraisers also attracting significant protests. In a recent event in Perth, demonstrators vocally opposed the party's agenda, indicating a growing backlash against its controversial positions.

Wrap-up
As China grapples with claims of foreign espionage involving marine life, One Nation faces its own challenges on the domestic front with protests disrupting its fundraising activities. These events highlight the intersection of national security concerns and social activism in both China and Australia.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team