Amendments To CCP’s Anti-Espionage Law Aim To Incite The Infighting Among The People

On December 30, 2022, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the CCP announced amendments to the Anti-Espionage Law to strengthen the activities of uncovering and reporting espionage activities. Espionage will also be given a broader definition based on the current law, and the authorities and penalties of the state security agencies that carry out investigations, will be strengthened. The bill is expected to be passed in the first half of this year. In addition to the state secrets provisions in the current law, the revised bill would define the provision or theft of other documents, data, or materials related to national security or interests as espionage. According to the decision of the Chinese authority, it is conceivable that the new amendment would cover an extremely wide range of activities. Even undisclosed information leaked from private companies or public institutions will be recognized as espionage whenever the Chinese authority consider it to be an information leak.The amendment also authorizes state security agencies to inspect the baggage of those suspected of espionage and prohibits citizens who may pose a threat to national security from leaving the country. Fines may also be imposed on those who refuse to participate in monitoring the activities of others.