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China's state security authorities have successfully prevented national security risks across a number of authorities, organizations, and enterprises, in accordance with the regulations on counter-espionage security work issued three years ago, safeguarding the national security and interests, China's Ministry of State Security said in an article released on Monday.

The regulations on counter-espionage security work were released on April 26, 2021, to ensure specific duties of various authorities and entities in preventing espionage activities are performed, as well as their legal liabilities for failing to fulfill counter-espionage security obligations. Meanwhile, state security organs may guide counter-espionage work in various ways including offering publicity materials, issuing guidelines and providing training, according to the ministry.

In the article released by the ministry, it also listed some examples and reminded that key entities should establish effective system of counter-espionage security prevention measures. An individual who worked in an important unit was recruited by a foreign intelligence agency. The person collected and provided more than 20 items of classified information to the foreign agency, and received funds, by using the unit's internal management loopholes. 

The state security organs required the unit to strengthen counter-espionage responsibilities at all levels, improve education, and enhance internal security measures after its problems including inadequate implementation of counter-espionage responsibilities were exposed.

Currently, foreign spy agencies and hostile forces have significantly intensified espionage activities by using more wide-ranging methods and targeting a wider range of fields, posing a serious threat to national security, said the ministry.

The above-mentioned case has showed that some key units with crucial responsibilities to guard against espionage have not established an effective system of counter-espionage security prevention measures. Counter-espionage work is not only about implementing strict punishment with force, but more importantly, it involves risk control, establishing a mind-set of risk prevention and supervision, the ministry noted.

The newly revised Counter-Espionage Law fully incorporates the main content of the regulations and establishes a special chapter on security prevention. It clearly outlines the objectives, targets, and methods of prevention, offering legal support for organizations to effectively implement counter-espionage measures, according to the ministry.

The law took effect on July 1, 2023. Specifically, this revision refines the definition of espionage activities.

Global Times