The State Security Ministry has urged the creation of mechanisms for citizens to report any suspicious activities, promising commendations, and rewards to those who do so.
This move follows the expansion of China’s counterespionage law in July, which grants authorities access to data and personal property information during ant espionage investigations. The law has been met with concern from countries like the United States, who fear it may be used to penalize foreign firms for ordinary business activities.
Beijing dismissed these claims and argued that their nation is under threat from espionage, largely from Western countries. China denies the allegations from Western nations, particularly the United States, of Chinese involvement in espionage and cyberattacks.
