China: China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has alerted its soldiers to online scams, including gambling and dating traps. The PLA Navy recently communicated through a social media post, cautioning officers and soldiers about the emerging internet risks such as online gambling and dating traps, as reported by the daily Global Times.
According to Anadolu Agency, a naval aviation unit affiliated with the PLA Northern Theater Command is closely monitoring these new internet risks and challenges, specifically targeting soldiers from the 90s and 2000s generations. These two generations form the core of the military and are significantly influenced by the internet, as highlighted in an article posted on the PLA’s official WeChat account.
The article indicated that several platforms offer game accelerators and resource-sharing software that include built-in “VPN” functions. Moreover, many “mirror” servers, despite being labeled as “domestic” software, relay information and content from overseas sources, making t
hem highly covert and unpredictable. It urged all personnel to remain vigilant and be aware of the risks associated with ‘VPN’ usage.
The military also advised personnel against revealing their identities online due to their sensitive roles and warned that online gambling and illegal lending could lead to severe debt. It further pointed out that young military personnel, motivated by a desire for companionship, might disclose their military identity to gain attention, which could make them vulnerable to illegal exploitation.
In December, Beijing’s anti-spy agency emphasized safeguarding the country’s supplies of critical minerals as one of its top priorities, accusing Western nations of attempting to stifle China’s development.