Chinese agency briefs German diplomats, business community on anti-espionage law

Chinese agency briefs German diplomats, business community on anti-espionage law
Ministry of State Security says recent presentation was part of efforts to foster ‘internationally friendly business environment’
Reading Time:3 minutes
China-Germany relations
Espionage

Xinlu Liangin Beijing
Published: 5:00pm, 26 Mar 2025Updated: 1:57pm, 27 Mar 2025


China’s top intelligence agency has briefed German diplomats and businesspeople on the revised anti-espionage law – the first such briefing for foreigners.

In a statement posted on social media on Wednesday, the Ministry of State Security said the recent presentation was an effort to introduce and clarify the law.

The ministry said the briefing was part of efforts to “foster a market-driven and rule-of-law, internationally friendly business environment”, while promoting high-quality economic development with Germany.

The revised counter-espionage law, which took effect last July, includes a broader definition of spying, and the investigative powers of national security law enforcement agencies have also been expanded.


A ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying that the revision was a “legitimate measure to safeguard national security”.

“National security is a prerequisite for national development and also the cornerstone for maintaining an open and stable business environment,” the spokesperson said.


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The briefing was held as Beijing is seeking to reinforce its national security framework at a time when geopolitical tensions are rising, particularly with Western nations including European Union members who want to “de-risk” from China.

It also comes as critics and foreign businesses have raised concerns about the updated law, saying the definitions of espionage and state secrets lack clarity, and that there is potential for arbitrary enforcement against foreign entities.
Beijing has been ramping up anti-espionage efforts since 2023, including the intelligence agency calling for tip-offs from the public about suspected foreign spy activity.

Foreign consulting firms have been subject to raids and questioning. In April 2023, police questioned staff at the Shanghai office of US consultancy Bain & Company, and the following month authorities raided the offices of international consulting firm Capvision in Beijing and other Chinese cities.


These and other incidents have prompted growing calls for more transparency and clarity on the implications of the revised law for foreign businesses operating in China.

The ministry statement said that during the briefing session with German diplomats and businesspeople, a representative of the agency discussed the background, principles and enforcement guidelines of the amended law.

According to the ministry, the revised law “significantly enhances legal clarity” and has been expanded from 40 to 71 articles that set out more clearly the boundaries between lawful and unlawful activities.

It said the law “safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of most individuals, including foreign companies, and only focuses on a very small number of actions that threaten national security, rather than legitimate business activities”.

According to the statement, those who attended the briefing “welcomed” the event and “appreciated China’s proactive response and patient answers” to their concerns and doubts.

The German embassy in Beijing said in a reply via email it was important to maintain a dialogue with Chinese authorities on issues relevant to the German community and companies operating in China, such as the scope and application of the Chinese anti-espionage law.

“We advocate for fair competition, free market access on the basis of reciprocity and a reliable regulatory environment,” an embassy spokesman said.

“It is important that the implementation of Chinese security legislation does not conflict with ordinary business activities, including due diligence and quality inspections.”
The Chinese ministry statement said the briefing had also fulfilled objectives set out during the latest high-level security dialogue between China and Germany in the northwestern city of Xian, in Shaanxi, in November.

During those talks, China’s top security official Chen Wenqing noted that the two nations shared security interests and called for continued collaboration to tackle the challenges posed by global uncertainties.

“China is willing to further deepen law enforcement and security cooperation with Germany, adhering to President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, along with global development, security and civilisation initiatives,” Chen was quoted as saying at the time by state news agency Xinhua.

“The focus will be on playing a leading role in mechanisms to prevent and mitigate risks, protect the shared security interests of both countries, and maintain the overall cooperative tone of their bilateral relations,” he said.

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