China's Anti-Spy Agency Warning: Shut Aircraft Window Shades & No Pics at Military-Civil Airports

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued a new directive urging air passengers to keep their window shades closed during takeoff, landing, and taxiing at airports used for both civil and military purposes. This measure aims to enhance national security and prevent unauthorized photography and filming of military facilities.

As first reported by the South China Morning Post, the MSS's warning follows several incidents where passengers captured and shared images of sensitive military installations. The ministry's official WeChat profile post emphasized that safeguarding national security is a responsibility shared by all citizens, explicitly forbidding unauthorized photos or videos at civil-military airports. The directive is part of a broader campaign by China's top anti-espionage agency to promote vigilance among the public, especially concerning potential security threats posed by unauthorized drone flights around military sites.

This new rule affects approximately one-third of China's airports, particularly those in coastal and border regions of strategic importance. The MSS noted that leaking sensitive military information through online platforms poses a significant threat to national security. This directive contrasts with global aviation norms, which typically mandate open window shades during takeoff and landing for safety reasons.

National Security Incidents

The MSS's directive comes in the wake of several security incidents. Recently, a foreign national was reported for taking pictures of an airport during a flight from Yiwu to Beijing. In another case, a passenger named Liu recorded videos of a military installation at a southeastern coastal airport, leading to the flight's diversion. Liu was detained for seven days for disrupting public transport order. Additionally, in 2021, a man received a suspended jail sentence for using a drone to photograph a naval base, intending to share the images on a military technology forum.

China's stringent measures reflect its commitment to maintaining national security, especially at dual-use airports. Passengers are now reminded that compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid legal consequences and ensure the security of military operations.