The Ministry of National Security responds!, Foreign media questioning or even maliciously smearing the Anti Spy Law | Media | Anti Spy Law
Original question: Question from overseas media? The official response is coming—— Officials from relevant departments of the Ministry of National Security answer questions from reporters
Recently, some foreign media have expressed concerns or even maliciously smeared the Anti Spy Law. What is there to respond to this?
After the revision and promulgation of the Anti Espionage Law, both domestic and foreign public opinion has paid more attention, with the vast majority of opinions supporting the amendment, believing that espionage is a serious illegal and criminal act that must be severely cracked down on in accordance with the law. At the same time, we have also noticed that some foreign media have expressed concerns about my revision of the Anti Spy Law, exaggerating that it will affect the investment and business environment. Some even maliciously distort and attack my normal legislative activities. In this regard, I would like to emphasize the following four points:
——Strengthening anti espionage work and maintaining national security is a common practice among countries around the world. It is an international practice to prevent and combat espionage activities and maintain national security through legislation, and many countries have similar legal provisions.
——Revising the Anti Spy Law is necessary for maintaining China's national security. The purpose of this revision of the Anti Espionage Law is to prevent, stop, and punish various espionage illegal and criminal activities carried out by espionage and intelligence agencies, and does not target companies and their personnel who operate, invest, or work legally in China. Article 2 of the Anti Espionage Law clearly stipulates that China's anti espionage work adheres to the principle of "active defense", which clearly reflects the justice of China's anti espionage work. Some foreign media have mistakenly interpreted the Anti Espionage Law by linking my lawful investigation and handling of espionage activities with normal communication and cooperation between the state, enterprises, and personnel.
——The provisions of the Anti Spy Law are open, transparent, and clear. The Anti Espionage Law has made clear provisions on the principles of anti espionage work, the definition of espionage behavior, the conditions and procedures for investigation and disposal, and legal protection and supervision. Some overseas media are concerned about the definition of "stealing, spying, buying, and illegally providing other documents, data, materials, and items related to national security and interests". Firstly, the premise of this definition is illegal behavior, and companies and their personnel who comply with Chinese laws and provide normal business services are not bound by this provision. Secondly, this definition points out the boundary between illegal and lawful behavior, making it easier for society to understand and enhancing the certainty of the company and its personnel conducting business legally in China. Once again, this definition is a common practice in legislation in various countries. Most countries regard the acquisition, collection, copying, leakage, and provision of various documents, materials, information, items, trade secrets, etc. that are detrimental to national security or interests as acts of espionage.
——China is a country under the rule of law, and law enforcement agencies always adhere to strict adherence to the law. The Anti Espionage Law clearly requires that "anti espionage work should be carried out in accordance with the law" and "protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations", fully reflecting the principle of the rule of law and the unity of punishing espionage behavior and respecting and protecting human rights. For espionage activities that endanger the national security of the People's Republic of China, law enforcement agencies will strictly investigate and handle them in accordance with legal provisions; The legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations shall be protected by national security organs in accordance with the law.
