China has widened the scope of its&nbsp;counter-espionage law, which critics worry may create additional legal risks or confusion among global corporations.

According to CNN, the change broadens the definition of espionage to encompass any "document or data related to national security" without defining these categories explicitly.

The amendment passed by China's top legislative body on Wednesday comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping places a greater focus on national security. Since coming to&nbsp;power in power, Xi has supervised several new steps to combat perceived dangers within and outside China and efforts to regulate the flow of information outside the nation, particularly after the Covid outbreak.

Yasuhiro Matsuda, an international relations professor at the University of Tokyo, told CNN that the revised&nbsp;counter-espionage law could heighten risks for foreigners and businesses trying to understand China better.&nbsp;

Foreign Concerns and China's Counter

Many analysts believe that&nbsp;legitimate data on the Chinese economy might all fall under the purview of the amended law. They also&nbsp;argue that&nbsp;the tighter&nbsp;anti-espionage law will further&nbsp;frighten international corporations working in China.

The new counter-espionage law comes only months after China eased pandemic-era border restrictions after three years of self-imposed Covid isolation — measures that had kept most international entrepreneurs and researchers at bay.

However, Global Times, the English-language mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, commented that the updated anti-spying law will&nbsp;have no effect on Western businesses and the&nbsp;continuously improving business environment in China.

It urged the companies not to buy into the 'distorted facts' that China's anti-espionage law will undermine the business environment, as they will "only miss opportunities and hand over development opportunities to competitors".&nbsp;

Despite the Chinese mouthpiece's argument, Western businesses are on the edge — and for good reason.&nbsp;

US consultancy Bain &amp; Company said on Thursday that some members of the staff at its Shanghai office have been questioned by the local police. This incident comes just a&nbsp;month after&nbsp;the Beijing office of Mintz Group, an American corporate due diligence firm, was closed and five members of its staff were detained.&nbsp;

China has widened the scope of its counter-espionage law, which critics worry may create additional legal risks or confusion among global corporations. According to CNN, the change broadens the definition of espionage to encompass any "document or data related to national security" without defining these categories explicitly.

China has widened the scope of its counter-espionage law, which critics worry may create additional legal risks or confusion among global corporations. According to CNN, the change broadens the definition of espionage to encompass any "document or data related to national security" without defining these categories explicitly. The amendment passed by China's top legislative body on Wednesday comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping places a greater focus on national security. Since coming to power in power, Xi has supervised several new steps to combat perceived dangers within and outside China and efforts to regulate the flow of information outside the nation, particularly after the Covid outbreak. Yasuhiro Matsuda, an international relations professor at the University of Tokyo, told CNN that the revised counter-espionage law could heighten risks for foreigners and businesses trying to understand China better. Foreign Concerns and China's Counter Many analysts believe that legitimate data on the Chinese economy might all fall under the purview of the amended law. They also argue that the tighter anti-espionage law will further frighten international corporations working in China. The new counter-espionage law comes only months after China eased pandemic-era border restrictions after three years of self-imposed Covid isolation — measures that had kept most international entrepreneurs and researchers at bay. However, Global Times, the English-language mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, commented that the updated anti-spying law will have no effect on Western businesses and the continuously improving business environment in China. It urged the companies not to buy into the 'distorted facts' that China's anti-espionage law will undermine the business environment, as they will "only miss opportunities and hand over development opportunities to competitors". Despite the Chinese mouthpiece's argument, Western businesses are on the edge — and for good reason. US consultancy Bain & Company said on Thursday that some members of the staff at its Shanghai office have been questioned by the local police. This incident comes just a month after the Beijing office of Mintz Group, an American corporate due diligence firm, was closed and five members of its staff were detained.

China broadening counter-espionage law spooks foreign businesses

Chinese authorities carried out a nationwide crackdown on consulting firms engaging in alleged espionage activities as Beijing tightens grip on foreign access to sensitive information.

Chinese media reports named only one firm where the raids were carried out across various cities—Capvision.

Media reports stated that Chinese enforcement agencies carried out synchronized operations in Capvision branches in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Suzhou. The employees were questioned and office items were examined. It is unclear when the raids took place.

Capvision was set up in 2008 by ex-Bain consultants and Morgan Stanley bankers. It offers consultation services to more than 2000 clients and has headquarters in Shanghai and New York, according to its website.

The company has been accused of failing to "seriously fulfill its counterintelligence responsibilities and obligations to prevent espionage", Chinese state broadcaster Jiangsu Television said on Monday.

An unnamed police officer told the broadcaster that Capvision routinely hired "highly-paid consulting experts" with close ties to Chinese authorities to "illegally obtain various types of sensitive data", which he said posed "major risks to China's national security".

Responding to the allegations, the firm wrote on its WeChat account that it would be "resolute" in fulfilling its national security responsibilities. It would also take on a "leading role" in regulating the consulting industry, it said, according to BBC.

The development comes a week after the Chinese police raided the Shanghai offices of US consultancy giant Bain &amp; Company. Officers seized their computers and phones, according to the Financial Times, which cited people briefed on the matter.

And in March, Chinese authorities detained five local staff at Mintz Group and shuttered its Beijing office.

The Chinese foreign ministry had accused New York-based due diligence firm Mintz Group, which specialises in background checks, fact gathering and internal investigations, “of illegal operations".

The latest clampdown on the consultancy firms stems from an anti-espionage law that was implemented last month that expanded the definition of "spying" and included cyberattacks against state bodies or critical information infrastructure.

The revised law, which will take effect from July 1, also gives Chinese authorities more teeth to forcibly search the belongings or request data of individuals suspected of spying.

Under this law, Chinese authorities can also ban citizens suspected of spying from leaving the country, or foreign nationals from entering.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Chinese authorities carried out a nationwide crackdown on consulting firms engaging in alleged espionage activities as Beijing tightens grip on foreign access to sensitive information.

Chinese authorities carried out a nationwide crackdown on consulting firms engaging in alleged espionage activities as Beijing tightens grip on foreign access to sensitive information. Chinese media reports named only one firm where the raids were carried out across various cities—Capvision. Media reports stated that Chinese enforcement agencies carried out synchronized operations in Capvision branches in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Suzhou. The employees were questioned and office items were examined. It is unclear when the raids took place. Capvision was set up in 2008 by ex-Bain consultants and Morgan Stanley bankers. It offers consultation services to more than 2000 clients and has headquarters in Shanghai and New York, according to its website. The company has been accused of failing to "seriously fulfill its counterintelligence responsibilities and obligations to prevent espionage", Chinese state broadcaster Jiangsu Television said on Monday. An unnamed police officer told the broadcaster that Capvision routinely hired "highly-paid consulting experts" with close ties to Chinese authorities to "illegally obtain various types of sensitive data", which he said posed "major risks to China's national security". Responding to the allegations, the firm wrote on its WeChat account that it would be "resolute" in fulfilling its national security responsibilities. It would also take on a "leading role" in regulating the consulting industry, it said, according to BBC. The development comes a week after the Chinese police raided the Shanghai offices of US consultancy giant Bain & Company. Officers seized their computers and phones, according to the Financial Times, which cited people briefed on the matter. And in March, Chinese authorities detained five local staff at Mintz Group and shuttered its Beijing office. The Chinese foreign ministry had accused New York-based due diligence firm Mintz Group, which specialises in background checks, fact gathering and internal investigations, “of illegal operations". The latest clampdown on the consultancy firms stems from an anti-espionage law that was implemented last month that expanded the definition of "spying" and included cyberattacks against state bodies or critical information infrastructure. The revised law, which will take effect from July 1, also gives Chinese authorities more teeth to forcibly search the belongings or request data of individuals suspected of spying. Under this law, Chinese authorities can also ban citizens suspected of spying from leaving the country, or foreign nationals from entering. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China tightens screws on consulting firms under anti-spy crackdown, raids Capvision offices

China's updated law on espionage could be the latest point of concern for foreign companies. The amended anti-espionage law broadens the definition of national security. But it falls short of defining what exactly constitutes "National security".

China's updated law on spying spooks foreign businesses

Australia on Monday launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-police-to-probe-chinese-spy-claims-264524">high-level intelligence task force</a> to combat what officials say is rampant foreign interference in the country and after claims of bold Chinese spying operations Down Under.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new force would involve all the country's top intelligence agencies "to disrupt and deter anyone attempting to undermine our national interests".

One novelty of the force would see intelligence agencies, normally tasked with overseas threats, coordinate with federal police to identify and prosecute or expel foreign agents.

"We will be&nbsp;developing new specialist&nbsp;capabilities both from an&nbsp;investigatory capacity as well as&nbsp;being able to pursue investigations&nbsp;and bring them to either disrupt the activity or, indeed, follow through&nbsp;and prosecute," Morrison said during a press conference in Canberra.

"This task force to&nbsp;counter foreign interference is&nbsp;about identifying it, disrupting and&nbsp;prosecuting."

Morrison did not explicitly mention China, saying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-investigates-chinese-plot-to-create-spy-mp-264396">"foreign interference comes from&nbsp;many, many different sources"</a> and is "an evolving threat".

But Monday's announcement followed revelations that authorities were investigating a raft of explosive claims by Wang Liqiang, a would-be Chinese defector, about Chinese espionage and covert influence operations in Australia.

It also came after the recently retired head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Duncan Lewis, said China wanted to "take over" Australia's political system with an "insidious" and systematic campaign of espionage and influence peddling".

Australian authorities are also looking into a claim that China tried to recruit a Melbourne businessman and get him elected to parliament.

Bo "Nick" Zhao, a 32-year-old luxury car dealer who was a member of Morrison's Liberal Party,&nbsp;apparently rebuffed the offer and was found dead in a motel room in March.

Morrison described the allegations as "deeply disturbing and troubling".

China branded the claims "lies", accusing "some politicians, organisations and media in Australia" of "cooking up so-called China spy cases".

Morrison's government passed foreign interference legislation last year following revelations that wealthy Chinese businessmen with links to Beijing had been bankrolling local parties and candidates across the political spectrum.&nbsp;

The law notably required the registration of any person or organisation acting on behalf of a foreign government.

As part of that crackdown, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-take-over-australian-politics-ex-spy-chief-263762">government barred a high-profile Chinese businessman</a> who held permanent Australian residency from returning to the country.

China is also widely suspected of being behind major intrusions into the computer systems of Australia's parliament and a university with close ties to the government and security services.

Australia on Monday launched a high-level intelligence task force to combat what officials say is rampant foreign interference in the country and after claims of bold Chinese spying operations Down Under.

Australia on Monday launched a high-level intelligence task force to combat what officials say is rampant foreign interference in the country and after claims of bold Chinese spying operations Down Under. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new force would involve all the country's top intelligence agencies "to disrupt and deter anyone attempting to undermine our national interests". One novelty of the force would see intelligence agencies, normally tasked with overseas threats, coordinate with federal police to identify and prosecute or expel foreign agents. "We will be developing new specialist capabilities both from an investigatory capacity as well as being able to pursue investigations and bring them to either disrupt the activity or, indeed, follow through and prosecute," Morrison said during a press conference in Canberra. "This task force to counter foreign interference is about identifying it, disrupting and prosecuting." Morrison did not explicitly mention China, saying "foreign interference comes from many, many different sources" and is "an evolving threat". But Monday's announcement followed revelations that authorities were investigating a raft of explosive claims by Wang Liqiang, a would-be Chinese defector, about Chinese espionage and covert influence operations in Australia. It also came after the recently retired head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Duncan Lewis, said China wanted to "take over" Australia's political system with an "insidious" and systematic campaign of espionage and influence peddling". Australian authorities are also looking into a claim that China tried to recruit a Melbourne businessman and get him elected to parliament. Bo "Nick" Zhao, a 32-year-old luxury car dealer who was a member of Morrison's Liberal Party, apparently rebuffed the offer and was found dead in a motel room in March. Morrison described the allegations as "deeply disturbing and troubling". China branded the claims "lies", accusing "some politicians, organisations and media in Australia" of "cooking up so-called China spy cases". Morrison's government passed foreign interference legislation last year following revelations that wealthy Chinese businessmen with links to Beijing had been bankrolling local parties and candidates across the political spectrum. The law notably required the registration of any person or organisation acting on behalf of a foreign government. As part of that crackdown, the government barred a high-profile Chinese businessman who held permanent Australian residency from returning to the country. China is also widely suspected of being behind major intrusions into the computer systems of Australia's parliament and a university with close ties to the government and security services.

Amid China spy concerns, Australia launches anti-espionage task force

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China broadening counter-espionage law spooks foreign businesses

China tightens screws on consulting firms under anti-spy crackdown, raids Capvision offices

China's updated law on spying spooks foreign businesses

Amid China spy concerns, Australia launches anti-espionage task force