China warns foreign entities are illicitly collecting genetic data, posing biosecurity threat

China’s Ministry of State Security issued a public warning on Tuesday, alleging that foreign entities have attempted to illicitly collect the country’s biological samples and genetic data under the cover of academic collaboration and public-interest projects. According to state media, overseas groups have reportedly lured domestic institutions with funding or equipment to hand over unapproved samples or export them secretly through smuggling and false customs declarations.

Risks to Biotechnology Assets and National Security

The ministry emphasized that the loss of human genetic data, rare biological resources, or core research information could expose foundational biotechnology assets. “If exploited by hostile foreign forces, it could create serious risks to national security in the biological domain,” the statement read. It further warned that such data could be misused to develop biological weapons or ethnicity-targeted drugs, directly threatening public safety and national security.

Concerns Over Data Leaks and Foreign Technology

While acknowledging the value of international scientific cooperation, the ministry stressed that uncontrolled data flows risk exposing core research assets. Large-scale leaks of population genetic information, it noted, could allow hostile actors to map health vulnerabilities and demographic structures. The alert also raised concerns about foreign-made gene sequencing equipment, software, and cloud platforms, warning that hidden “backdoors” could enable unauthorized data extraction.

Call for Vigilance and Legal Compliance

Reiterating China’s Biosecurity Law, the ministry urged strict compliance from research institutions and called on scientists and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to biological sample collection or genetic data transfer.