China passes new law to expand scope of its counter-espionage activities, including raids on foreign companies.

China's ruling Communist Party has taken a step towards greater transparency and protection of national security by amending its espionage law. The new amendment expands the scope of material that can be used to back up allegations of spying, including "documents, data, materials and items related to national security and the national interest." This is expected to give state security police and other investigators greater powers to access corporate facilities and electronic equipment, while also reassuring citizens that normal business activities will be protected.

(Image Source: https://www.rfa.org)



Visitors in Tiananmen Square are seen enjoying the National Day holidays with a sense of assurance, knowing that the government is taking proactive steps to safeguard their rights and interests.

China's National People's Congress recently passed amendments to the Counter-Espionage Law, which grant the ruling Communist Party more powers to define what constitutes "spying". These changes have widened the scope of materials that can be used to back up such allegations. This includes documents, data, materials, and items related to national security and the national interest.



The move has sparked concern among many, as it could allow state security police and other investigators to access corporate facilities and electronic equipment. Furthermore, normal business activities such as gathering information on local markets, competitors, and partners could be seen as "espionage" in light of growing tensions between Beijing, the United States, and its allies.



The amended law also gives authorities the power to access data and electronic equipment, and issue travel bans to individuals. This comes on the heels of two notable raids on U.S. consultancy firms in China, and Japan's request to Beijing for clarification on which activities constitute espionage.



The changes to the Counter-Espionage Law are a reminder of the importance of being aware of the regulations in effect in each country.

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