"Report Spies via Hotline... Rewards Offered for Contributions," China Promotes

Enhanced Counterintelligence Act Effective from July 1
Guidance on State-Operated CCTV and Reporting Cases

China has been enforcing an enhanced Counter-Espionage Law since the 1st of this month, and local state-run media has actively urged the public to "report spies" during this period.

On the 4th, China Central Television (CCTV) reported cases of ordinary citizens who reported spies, stating, "If suspicious circumstances threatening national security are discovered, you must promptly call the National Security Bureau hotline 12339 to report," and added, "Individuals or organizations that report espionage activities or make significant contributions to counter-espionage efforts will receive commendations and rewards."

An interview scene with a fisherman explaining his experience of reporting a spy. (Photo by CCTV screen capture)

The broadcast introduced the case of Mr. Jang, who worked as a foreign language interpreter. CCTV explained, "He provided dozens of confidential domestic political and diplomatic documents to Mr. A, who claimed to be a Ministry of Foreign Affairs employee," and "also illegally smuggled a large amount of top-secret and confidential materials overseas." It further elaborated, "These actions are typical espionage activities," and noted, "The new Counter-Espionage Law, effective from July 1, consists of 6 chapters and 71 articles, defining six types of espionage, clearly specifying the targets, acts, and purposes for each type."

Additionally, the broadcast reported cases where fishermen from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces detected overseas technology monitoring devices. They found a spherical object when hauling in their nets, noticed foreign language inscriptions, and reported it. The fishermen stated that they had been educated to report suspicious devices and that they received compensation from the state for doing so.

The broadcast cited Wang Xu, Associate Dean of the Law School at Renmin University of China, explaining the scope of espionage activities: "Espionage organizations or agents steal information related to national security or disrupt security order," and "also bribe and incite some citizens and officials within our territory." CCTV particularly emphasized that participation as an 'agent' in specific acts is clearly espionage. Associate Dean Wang pointed out, "Voluntary involvement means a loss of loyalty to the country."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State advised its citizens to reconsider traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, citing the possibility of arbitrary detention due to the implementation of China's revised Counter-Espionage Law and newly applied Foreign Relations Law. The U.S. Department of State explained on its website, "The Chinese government is arbitrarily enforcing laws without fair and transparent procedures in the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau," adding, "This includes measures such as travel bans on U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin rebutted this, stating, "China is one of the safest countries in the world." Wang further criticized, "Foreigners residing in China also have the obligation to comply with Chinese laws," and accused the U.S. of "engaging in political manipulation."

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