Politics · China · 2 hrs ago
China Says Man Was Punished for Marking Sensitive Sites on an Overseas Map
China's state security ministry says a man identified as Xu marked sensitive locations on an overseas open-map platform.
Starting in 2021, Xu used information he knew about his local area and details gathered online to mark military and other sensitive sites.
He accessed the platform by bypassing China's internet controls, which the ministry said was illegal.
The authorities reviewed his conduct and handled the case under the law, but did not give details of the outcome.
Open maps are built and edited by users, and the ministry said location information on them could be combined with other data and used to threaten national security.
It warned people not to post sensitive site locations or images and said suspected cases can be reported to China's state security authorities.
China’s Ministry of State Security said a man surnamed Xu was dealt with after repeatedly marking sensitive military-related locations on an overseas open-map platform.
Xu began using the platform in 2021 after seeing an artistic road map on social media.
The ministry said he used knowledge of his local area and publicly available internet information to add geographic details.
Chinese national security authorities investigated his conduct and explained the relevant laws and risks to him.
The ministry warned that sensitive geographic information on open maps could be used to threaten national security.
- Who
- A man surnamed Xu, and China’s national security authorities.
- What
- Xu repeatedly marked locations of military and other sensitive units on an overseas open-map platform. Authorities investigated him and dealt with him under the law.
- When
- Xu began doing so in 2021. The article was published on October 17, 2026.
- Where
- On an overseas open-map platform, marking locations in China.
- Why
- Xu said he acted out of interest and curiosity. The ministry said the information could threaten national security.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Xu became interested in an artistic road map he saw on social media and began using an overseas open-map platform.
National security authorities discovered Xu’s conduct and took action, then explained the relevant laws and risks to him.
- Person
- Xu
- Activity began
- 2021
- Platform
- Overseas open-map platform
- Marked locations
- Military and other sensitive units
- Authority response
- Investigated Xu and dealt with him under the law
- Published
- October 17, 2026
1 source
What people are saying
I completely did not expect that just making some marks as a hobby could break the law and threaten national security.