- ORIGINAL NEWS
China doubles down on national security, expanding its state secrets law
- SUMMARY
China has strengthened its national security measures by expanding its protection of state secrets to include a new category called “work secrets.”
These work secrets are unclassified information that could have negative consequences if disclosed.
This change raises concerns because it gives government departments broad discretion to label information as work secrets, potentially limiting public access to information and exposing individuals to liability.
Foreign businesses operating in China may also face increased uncertainty and risk due to the lack of clarity about what constitutes work secrets.
The new law also restricts overseas travel for those who work with state or work secrets, adding to the already existing barriers for travel.
While the revised law supposedly clarifies some areas and limits liability in certain instances, its overall impact on foreign investment remains to be seen.
- NEWS SENTIMENT CHECK
- Overall sentiment:
negative
Positive
“- The law offers clarity in a few areas, limiting liability of leadership in some instances, and providing compensation for persons whose rights have been limited due to secrecy requirements.”
“- Li noted how it’s important to disclose information that should be made public, while ensuring confidentiality as needed.”
Negative
“- limits the public right to know and also exposes people to potential liability.”
“- The new law will add to a general sense among the foreign business community that the Chinese leadership’s preoccupation with national security has made the country’s operating environment more difficult.”