In an uncommon advisory, the Chinese Navy has issued a warning to young officers and military personnel regarding the dangers of online dating scams and virtual gambling.
This alert underscores the potential security vulnerabilities that could jeopardize military operations if individuals do not remain cautious.
Focusing on those born after 1990—who are increasingly viewed as essential to the armed forces—the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy utilized social media to advise young sailors against disclosing their military identities online, labeling them as ‘extremely easy’ targets for cybercriminals.
The Navy stressed the necessity of maintaining confidentiality in military roles, stating that sharing personal information over the Internet poses serious security risks.
According to state-run news agency Xinhua, the social media post encouraged personnel to ‘exercise discernment and keep a safe distance when making online friends,’ and to ‘never lose sight of your principles or form random connections with strangers.’
Moreover, the Chinese Navy cautioned against participation in virtual gambling, which is illegal in China. It compared the addiction associated with gambling to being ‘possessed by a demon,’ warning that such habits could lead to a ‘bottomless pit’ of debt.
On November 4th, 2024, a related article from the PLA Navy expanded on the emerging threats posed by the internet in the Global Times, a tabloid associated with the the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship newspaper the People’s Daily.
It noted the significant influence of the internet on soldiers from the post-90s and post-00s generations, who are becoming central to the military.
A naval aviation unit within the PLA Northern Theater Command is actively addressing these new challenges and has developed comics to illustrate online ‘traps,’ intending to improve network risk management and raise awareness about online scams.
The article indicated that certain platforms provide game accelerators and resource-sharing software with integrated ‘VPN’ functions. Although marketed as ‘domestic’, many of these ‘mirror’ servers can transmit information from overseas, creating covert and unpredictable risks. Personnel were urged to remain vigilant regarding the potential hazards associated with ‘VPN’ usage.
Additionally, the Navy warned that unfamiliar push notifications could often be linked to ‘phishing emails’, ‘trojan apps’, or ‘gambling websites’, which may harbor hidden dangers and viruses. Such traps can lead to the theft of personal information, bank passwords, and verification codes.
Given the sensitive nature of their responsibilities, military personnel are advised against revealing their identities online and must remain alert to attempts to extract sensitive information.
The article highlighted that while young soldiers may seek companionship online, disclosing their military affiliation can make them vulnerable to exploitation. It stressed the importance of developing healthy online habits, steering clear of harmful social apps, and being cautious in online interactions.
China’s military aims to project strength through activities such as military drills near Taiwan and patrols in the South China Sea. However, President Xi Jinping, as commander-in-chief, has often pointed out “deep-seated” issues within the armed forces, including corruption and a lack of discipline.
This cautionary message is not limited to junior personnel; Xi has also emphasized the need for unwavering political loyalty from senior military officials.
At a military conference in June, he reiterated the importance of adhering to the Chinese Communist Party’s “absolute leadership” over the PLA, insisting that the military must consistently “uphold core values, maintain integrity, and strictly adhere to discipline.”
Xi has attributed many challenges facing the military to a lack of ideals and beliefs, urging all personnel, particularly senior leaders, to “reflect deeply, engage in self-examination, and pursue genuine improvements”.
