China calls for national mobilization against espionage

ISTANBUL

In what signals a hardened approach against espionage, China’s interior security authorities Tuesday called on almost all sections of the society to aid in counter-spying work.

“Counter-espionage work requires the mobilization of all parts of society, which also combines the open work and secret work as well as the specialized work,” Beijing-based Global Times reported, quoting a detailed statement made by China’s Ministry of State Security.

The ministry published the details on its official WeChat – Twitter-like Chinese social media platform – account, which began operations on Monday.

“All state organs and armed forces, all political parties and all people's groups, enterprises, and other social organizations have an obligation to prevent and stop espionage activities and maintain national security,” reads the revised counter-espionage law.

Calling the prevalent situation “severe and complex” in the counter-espionage context, the ministry said: “National security is the foundation of national rejuvenation. It adheres to the overall national security concept and resolutely safeguards national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”

To solidify the national security line of defense against espionage, the ministry called on state organs, organizations, enterprises, institutions, and other social organizations, especially key units for security prevention “to implement various counter-espionage security measures.”

Calling on national security agencies to publicize their contacts to receive “public tip-offs,” the ministry, however, emphasized “ensuring confidentiality for people who report sensitive information.”