Chinese state media has launched a volley against a Japanese news outlet for publishing detailed photographs of the PLA aircraft carrier being assembled in a port in Dalian, saying the move posed a grave threat to national security.
Some high-resolution photos of China’s newest aircraft carrier, still under construction, have gained widespread attention online. The photos, which clearly show details of thecarrier’s structure, first appeared on the site of Japan’s Kyodo News Service. They weretaken by employees of Kyodo News Service, according to a report in China NationalDefense News.
The aircraft carrier is an important weapon for China. Taking photos of the carrier isstrictly forbidden. The fact that Japanese employees managed to snap photos of the shipdespite heavy security is something of a wake-up call.
The report calls for the creation of an effective system to prevent confidential informationleaks and improve state security education. April 15 was designated as China’s firstNational Security Education Day. In addition, authorities will promote education throughposters, advertisements, film and even WeChat articles.
The report additionally calls for strict management of certain groups. Military fans havebecome a high-risk group for the leaking of confidential information. In the past, somehave shared images of advanced weapons before official photos were released. Overseasmilitary institutions and personnel have obtained significant intelligence in this way.