China's Spy Agency Warns Against In-Flight Photos at Dual-Use Airports

China's Ministry of State Security has cautioned passengers against taking photos during take-off and landing at dual civil-military use airports. This follows an incident involving a foreigner photographing a joint-use airport. The practice aims to maintain secrecy around military installations and safeguard national security.

China's Ministry of State Security has issued a precautionary advisory for air travelers, specifically urging them not to open window shades or take photographs during take-off and landing at dual civil-military use airports. This announcement came after an incident involving a foreign passenger who was caught snapping photos from a mobile phone, as reported by domestic media.

In its official WeChat account post, the ministry emphasized the importance of complying with these instructions to prevent unauthorized filming or uploading of sensitive images online. The ministry highlighted that this measure aligns with global practices aimed at maintaining confidentiality around military facilities, according to the South China Morning Post.

The advisory underlines the critical role of joint-use airports in national security, emphasizing that unauthorized photography could jeopardize military secrecy. The heightened security measures come amid China's escalated strategic rivalry with the US and its allies, especially in disputed regions like the South China Sea and Taiwan.