China's new intelligence law codifies espionage

Subject

China's new National Intelligence Law.

Significance

The National Intelligence Law was promulgated in June after a legislative progress that was expedited and that was secretive even by Chinese standards. It took effect immediately.

Impacts

• The need for Chinese firms to give cover to intelligence officers will fuel fears overseas that Chinese firms threaten national security.
• The law is partly a catch-up move which will consolidate existing practices and structures that other countries built decades ago.
• Beijing's unconcealed paranoia about foreign infiltration will undermine its efforts to convince the world that its intentions are benign.