00:00 China is changing its counter-espionage tactic.
00:06 Instead of keeping it a secret, Beijing is taking it to the public.
00:11 There is a recent call by the China's Ministry of State Security to encourage citizens'
00:15 participation in counter-espionage work.
00:20 So what is the rationale behind this initiative?
00:24 Mainly for garnering public support for national security, addressing the concerns over expanded
00:29 counter-espionage law and the need for safeguarding country's political security.
00:35 In July, China's counter-espionage law was amended to combat threats posed by the foreign
00:40 spies and protect national security.
00:42 However, the law raises concerns among foreign companies operating in China, fearing they
00:47 could be penalized for regular business activities.
00:50 Amidst this backdrop, the Ministry of State Security is emphasizing the importance of
00:54 engaging the masses in counter-espionage work.
00:57 Their primary objective is to safeguard China's political system with the leadership and ruling
01:02 position of the Communist Party being deemed crucial for national security.
01:08 By encouraging its citizens to actively participate in counter-espionage efforts, China seeks
01:13 to establish a normal system of reporting suspicious activities and promoting vigilance
01:18 against potential espionage threats.
01:21 Engaging the public at large will not only increase the chances of identifying and preventing
01:25 espionage activities but also foster a sense of responsibility and patriotism among the
01:31 people as per the Beijing idea.
01:35 While the initiative holds promise, it also presents several challenges.
01:39 One major concern is the potential abuse of reporting mechanisms for personal vendettas
01:43 or false accusations.
01:46 China must design a robust and confidential reporting system to protect informants and
01:50 ensure the accuracy of the information provided.
01:53 The expanded powers granted to authorities during anti-espionage investigations, including
01:58 access to personal data and electronic equipment, require careful oversight to prevent misuse
02:05 and protect citizens' privacy rights.
02:08 Recent cases of espionage involving both Chinese and foreign nationals highlight the urgency
02:13 of strengthening counter-espionage efforts.
02:16 Instances such as the arrest of an executive at a Japanese pharmaceutical company and the
02:21 detention of an Australian journalist accused of providing state secrets to another country
02:25 have underscored the seriousness of the threat.
02:29 China's declaration of being under threat from spies coincides with the accusations
02:33 from Western nations, particularly the United States, of Chinese espionage and cyberattacks.
02:39 While China refutes these allegations, such geopolitical tensions emphasize the importance
02:44 of shoring up domestic security measures to protect the country's interests.
02:50 In a world where espionage and cyber threats are becoming increasingly prevalent, proactive
02:55 measures to secure the nation's interests are of paramount importance.
02:59 Through a united effort, China hopes to strengthen its counter-espionage capabilities and safeguard
03:05 its political system and national security.
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