When looking for a life partner, we all look to the classic characteristics of humor, looks and personality. But according to the Chinese government, women should also look for another trait: not being a secret overseas spy.
To celebrate National Security Education Day on April 15 (yes, this exists), authorities released a series of posters to raise awareness of different security issues. One of the most noticeable is labeled "Dangerous Love" and has appeared across residential communities in Beijing.
The poster features a comic strip, with imaginary characters Xiao Li and David. Xiao Li is invited by her friend to a gathering with a bunch of foreigners. It is here that Xiao Li meets David: a charming scholar researching different Chinese issues.
David quickly learns that Xiao Li just graduated from college and joined a foreign publicity department in the civil service department. From here, David and Xiao Li start dating, and he showers her in flower bouquets and compliments.
The comic then delves into semi-sexist territory, as Xiao Li is depicted as an innocent girl who becomes dim-witted and naive at the first sight of love. As their relationship progresses, David begins to ask Xiao Li if she can give him "internal references" that would help him conduct his research. Although hesitant at first, Xiao Li eventually gives in and gives him photocopies of internal documents.
As the reader is left asking why Xiao Li would ever give up these documents, Xiao Li gets a visit from two Chinese officers. Apparently, David has been detained by Chinese officials on the basis of espionage and attempting to steal political and military information. In the end, Xiao Li was condemned for not understanding the state's law and is under suspicion for violating national security laws.
In foreign entertainment, the 'honeypot' is usually a seductive female who uses her beauty to seduce the male protagonist to uncover secret information. As James Bond as this all sounds, the Chinese government is apparently treating this as a real threat to national security.
According to Chinese law, any persons that are found supplying state secrets or intelligence to a foreign organization or personnel will be incarcerated for five to ten years. In some cases, life sentences can be given out.
[Images via GlobalNews]
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