China Implements Internal Security and Counterintelligence Regulations for State-Owned and High-Tech Enterprises

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[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese government is strengthening counter-espionage education for employees of financial and high-tech companies and institutions. Judging that hostile forces such as foreign intelligence agencies are leaking China's internal information through various methods, it has decided to implement new counter-espionage regulations.

China's state-run Global Times reported on the 27th that as hostile forces such as foreign intelligence agencies intensify infiltration and information leakage against China, national security authorities have newly established regulations. This move by Chinese security authorities is interpreted as a determination to preemptively block potential espionage activities by Chinese nationals, considering the possibility of ongoing US-China conflicts.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the regulations, employees of companies, organizations, and groups designated by Chinese security authorities must take a security oath before undertaking their duties, and activities related to national security must be reported to the authorities. Additionally, they are required to report relevant details before departure and after returning from overseas business trips.

Along with this, to eliminate foreign espionage activities, national security authorities are authorized to grant access rights to buildings, internal documents, computers, and information systems of designated companies and institutions. Violations of the related regulations will result in punishment of the respective companies and institutions according to the law.

The Global Times reported that although it did not disclose the names of the companies and institutions listed in the regulations, the list was compiled based on factors such as the level of information confidentiality, degree of foreign involvement, and past cases of information leakage.

Regarding this, Li Wei, a counter-terrorism expert and researcher at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said, "This regulation is meaningful in that it clarifies the responsibilities that companies and institutions must bear." Li added, "There are quite a few Chinese individuals (operatives) who have been bribed by foreign intelligence agencies for money. Preventing and avoiding incidents that threaten national security is important for safeguarding national security."

An HR official from a Chinese state-owned enterprise, who requested anonymity, said, "With the emphasis on the importance of national security, counter-espionage education for employees going on overseas business trips has been strengthened since 2019." The official added, "When traveling to Five Eyes alliance countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, strict reporting is required regarding the destination, purpose, and meetings with foreign personnel." The official further noted, "As the regulations are newly implemented, when visiting countries classified as high-risk, the necessity of the trip will be evaluated, and non-essential trips may be restricted."

The Global Times warned that international students, especially children of government officials, are often targeted by foreign intelligence agencies and urged caution.

Meanwhile, the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial People's Congress implemented the "Sichuan Province Counter-Espionage Safety Measures Ordinance" in 2019, which strengthens counter-espionage education for students and teachers studying or training abroad. This ordinance focuses on preventing espionage activities targeting major state institutions, defense research, universities, and overseas organizations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.