China's Ministry of State Security has revealed details of a failed subversion plot against the Communist Party as a warning to the citizens about national security.

A former party official was convicted of plotting to subvert state power with 'foreign enemy forces‘, according to Chinese media.

Anti-foreign sentiment has been exacerbating in China amid the coronavirus crisis as the country sees political tensions rising with the US and several African countries over the pandemic.

It also comes as Beijing's top official in Hong Kong has also urged the government to pass its national security laws in a bid to combat the local pro-democracy movement.

China's Ministry of State Security has revealed details of a failed subversion plot against the Communist Party as a warning to the citizens about national security. Police wearing face masks stand guard at the Tianhe Airport in Wuhan on April 8

Officials also unveiled a series of espionage cases yesterday in the light of the country's fifth National Security Education Day, according to state media.

Cities across China launched campaigns and activities on Wednesday to raise awareness on national security and counter-espionage.

State broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday that the country's spy agency released details on a series of major cases threatening national security.

One subversion case involved a retired Communist party member, known by his surname Su (pictured), who 'reached out to foreign enemy forces and plotted to stage terrorist activities and subvert state power', according to the press.

One subversion case involved a retired Communist party member who 'reached out to foreign enemy forces and plotted to stage terrorist activities and subvert state power', according to the press.

The former official, known by his surname Su, worked at a school in Yunnan Province of southwestern China for several years.

He reportedly posted several anti-government articles online and got in contact with 'some key members of an overseas enemy force' in 2016, according to CCTV.

Mr Su plotted to overthrow the Communist Party with one of the members from the unidentified organisation.

The pair initially planned to purchase weapons from overseas and hire mercenaries to attack the city's public security bureau and take over a local military ammunition base.

Mr Su's plot was foiled during the planning stage after the secret police tracked him down through chatting groups on the Chinese messenger app WeChat. He was caught discussing details of the weapons and funding with other plot members.

The former party member was charged with subverting state power in April last year.

Zhang Jiange (right), a Chinese military engineering expert, was accused of selling information to a foreign agent, known by his alias Jack (left)

The Ministry of State Security also highlighted three espionage cases in which researchers and engineers gained access to sensitive information about the country's top military projects.

Zhang Jiange, a Chinese military engineering expert, was accused of selling information to a foreign agent, known by his alias Jack.

Mr Zhang first met Jack during an academic trip in 2011 when the two became close friends, according to the press.

The Ministry said Mr Zhang agreed to provide intelligence to a disclosed Western spy agency after Jack offered him cash and promises of a good education for his child.

Mr Zhang was arrested by ministry officers at an airport in Zhengzhou of central China. He was reportedly on his way to leave the country, with a suitcase filled with 'confidential research materials'.

The military engineer was later convicted of espionage and sentenced to 15 years in jail.

Mr Zhang was arrested by ministry officers at an airport in Zhengzhou of central China. He was reportedly on his way to leave the country, with a suitcase filled with 'confidential research materials'. The picture shows the documents found in Mr Zhang's suitcase

The military engineer, Zhang Jiange (pictured), was later convicted of espionage and sentenced to 15 years in jail

'The shocking cases remind us that we must place great importance on maintaining political and military security,' the state media concluded.

'Be vigilant! These cases that endanger national security may happen right by your side.'

The revelation comes as China launched nationwide campaigns on its fifth National Security Education Day.

The national day was established five years ago after Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined the importance of national security in the first meeting held by the National Security Commission.

Cities across China hosted activities yesterday to raise awareness on national security, counter-espionage, anti-terrorism, cybersecurity and nuclear safety.

The national day was established five years ago after Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined the importance of national security in the first meeting held by the National Security Commission. He is pictured during the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum

Luo Huining, the head of China's liaison office in Hong Kong, urged the region to pass its national security laws which were shelved in 2003 following mass protests.

The controversial Article 23 legislation says it 'shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, or theft of state secrets', and prohibit various forms of foreign political interference.

Mr Luo also said the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong is a threat to the 'one country, two systems' principle proposed by mainland China.

Mr Luo said the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong is a threat to the 'one country, two systems' principle proposed by mainland China. FILE: A banner is seen as anti-government demonstrators march in protest against the invocation of the emergency laws in Hong Kong