Beijing introduces new anti-espionage law

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Jul 2023 10:46

The new law criminalizes affiliation with "espionage organizations and their agents" and the unauthorized collection of "documents, data, materials, and items related to national security and interests".

Emblem of the Chinese Communist Party displayed on a sky scraper in Shanghai August 31 2021 (AFP)

China's new anti-espionage law which redefines espionage on a broader scale and empowers to prosecute of diverse threats to national security came into effect.

US officials have condemned China's new law as "authoritarian": such that it grants the Chinese state more leeway in interpreting threats to national security.

In December 2022, the law was pitched for public comment. In April, the amendments were approved by the National People's Congress.

Article 3

Counter-espionage efforts shall be conducted in accordance with law, respect and protect human rights, and protect the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organizations.

The law subjects those involved in espionage acts to severe punishment: ranging from life in prison to execution in extreme cases.

The new law criminalizes affiliation with "espionage organizations and their agents" and the unauthorized collection of "documents, data, materials, and items related to national security and interests".

Article 4 (3)

Activities carried out, instigated or funded by foreign institutions, organizations, and individuals other than espionage organizations and their representatives, or in which domestic institutions, organizations or individuals collude, to steal, pry into, purchase or illegally provide state secrets, intelligence, and other documents, data, materials, or items related to national security, or in which state employees are incited, enticed, coerced, or bought over to turn traitor.

Earlier this week, China slammed US President Joe Biden's comments when he said that Beijing faces "enormous problems".

"We hope that the US will be able to focus on solving its own internal problems and play a constructive role in ensuring stability and prosperity in the world," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a daily briefing.

Mao said any country could face some challenges in sustaining its growth, however, she assured the press that through unity and hard work under the guidance of the Communist Party, China will be able to surpass these obstacles.