hacker Photo: VCG

A Chinese video blogger with a large number of followers popular for producing exotic-themed videos was pressured by a foreign intelligence agency to engage in espionage but was exempted from punishment after reporting the situation to Chinese national security authorities, according to China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Thursday.

The person surnamed Li is a self-media blogger who specializes in livestreaming programs centered around exotic themes on short video social platforms, both domestically and internationally, and has attracted a large number of followers, according to MSS.

Li's livestreaming of local customs on a short video social platform in a particular country drew the attention of the local intelligence agency. The agency believed that Li, with a significant number of followers from both countries, was a viable target for recruitment or coercion.

The agency, using the guise of official law enforcement, brought Li to an undisclosed location for questioning, citing the reason that Li, as a foreigner, had not reported his livestreaming activities to authorities.

During the inquiry, personnel from the country's intelligence agency alleged that Li was carrying dangerous items, confiscating his personal belongings, including his phone and other electronic devices, effectively isolating him from external communication, according to MSS.

They said Li's filming in a no-shooting zone without permission from the relevant authorities was a serious violation of the country's laws and that Li would face criminal penalties.

Noticing that Li was panicked and confused, the intelligence personnel revealed their identities, suggesting that compliance could help Li avoid punishment. Under pressure, Li agreed to the demands of the foreign intelligence agency. In the end, the personnel forced Li to take photos for documentation and assigned related espionage tasks before permitting Li to leave the country.

After returning to China, Li, following internal deliberation, decided to contact national security authorities to report the experience through a hotline. Following the phone call, staff from the state security organs quickly interviewed Li.

During the conversation, Li candidly explained the coercion he encountered from the foreign espionage intelligence agencies, detailing the espionage tasks assigned by these agencies. Considering that Li had proactively reported the incident and that it did not cause substantial harm to national security, the state security authorities decided not to pursue any action against Li's espionage activities and provided Li with guidance on security precautions.

Global Times