context: PRC authorities are intensifying protection of seed genetics as part of broader food-security and counter-espionage priorities. Since 2023, the Ministry of State Security has repeatedly highlighted agriculture-related espionage cases, reflecting Beijing’s concern that foreign actors view crop genetics, yield data and seed lines as strategic targets. For foreign businesses operating in grain regions, scrutiny of fieldwork, surveys and sample movement has increased markedly, with tighter controls on genetic resources under Biosecurity Law and seed industry regulations.
Foreign intelligence agencies are expanding their attempts to acquire PRC seed genetics, warns MSS (Ministry of State Security).
Seed lines, especially parent lines used for hybridisation, are strictly prohibited from export, yet MSS investigations uncovered attempts by a foreign service to purchase these materials through domestic intermediaries. One domestic company head was convicted and sentenced to one year and six months for hiding parent seeds inside unrelated export containers; 17 others received administrative penalties.
MSS reports that grain-producing regions are also facing covert collection efforts.
A foreign consulate organised multiple specialist teams to tour major production areas under the guise of 'field visits', seeking unauthorised access to crop-yield and reserve data. The teams frequently changed transport, avoided main roads and operated with strong counter-surveillance awareness. MSS intervened and took action against the individuals involved.
The agency frames food security intelligence theft as a direct threat to national security: seed genetics underpin grain output, rural revitalisation and long-term self-reliance. It states that foreign intelligence services are increasingly targeting core R&D, especially rice and soybean lines, and that recent cases show a rising risk of loss of germplasm and genetic data.
MSS urges the public to report suspicious activity through its 12339 hotline, website or WeChat channel, emphasising that safeguarding seed resources is essential to maintaining a stable grain supply and preventing strategic vulnerabilities.