China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Sunday revealed a case in which a foreign spy posing as a "travel vlogger," attempted to lure a university student into filming sensitive border military zones under the pretense of exploring lesser-known scenic spots. The student's vigilance exposed the trap, protecting both himself and national security.

The university student, who enjoys sharing travel experiences and local exploration tips on social media, recently received a message from someone claiming to be a travel vlogger. The vlogger said she was a contracted creator with a media company and planned to shoot a travel video in a certain area of Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, according to the MSS's official WeChat account.

The vlogger claimed that finding most online guides repetitive and uninteresting, she came across the student's posts and felt they were on the same wavelength. Then she asked if the student was interested in collaborating.

The student then visited her profile, which showed a stylish figure with footprints across many scenic spots in China. Responding to her enthusiastic inquiry, he shared information about local attractions and specialty foods, and the two added each other on WeChat, began interacting frequently.

After they became more familiar, the female vlogger suggested creating a viral video themed on "lesser-known scenic spots," combining natural landscapes with cultural exploration to highlight "overlooked corners."

She sent over more than ten location coordinates and asked the student to first shoot some establishing shots and time-lapse footage, which her company would use online to build hype. Once she arrived at the locations, they would collaborate on additional exploration videos.

In return, she promised not only a "service fee" for the student's work but also said that if the collaboration went well, she would recommend him for an internship at her company, according to the MSS.

However, neither flattery nor the promise of opportunity clouded the student's judgment. He immediately entered each of the locations provided by the vlogger into a map and discovered that, in addition to boutique inns and lesser-known scenic spots, several were adjacent to military management zones.

Recalling the national security education he has received, he realized the site choices could not be coincidental. He then provided the entire interaction, the vlogger's account information, and all chat records to the national security authorities.

After conducting investigation, the MSS found that the vlogger had used the same scheme to attempt to recruit and manipulate over 100 individuals in China to carry out activities endangering national security. Authorities also gained a clear understanding of the latest tactics employed by foreign intelligence agencies to target border personnel and local residents, seeking opportunities for infiltration, recruitment, and espionage.

The student was commended and rewarded by both the national security authorities and his university for his action, according to the MSS.