On July 1, 2024, China implemented new regulations clarifying law enforcement procedures for its Anti-Espionage Law, which was revised a year ago. The new rules grant national security agencies permission to inspect smartphones and other electronic devices.

The revised Anti-Espionage Law, effective since July 2023, broadened the definition of espionage and allows for the investigation of activities related to “national security and interests.” Under suspicion of espionage, authorities can examine personal belongings and electronic devices.

China has detained at least 17 Japanese citizens since 2014 under this law, with 5 still in custody. In March 2023, a male executive from Astellas Pharma’s Chinese subsidiary was detained and later arrested in October.

Local governments are also strengthening anti-espionage efforts. Several provinces and municipalities held national security meetings in May and June 2024, focusing on preventing infiltration by hostile forces and enhancing surveillance using big data.

The education sector is increasing anti-espionage propaganda, with national security staff visiting schools to discuss security issues, including risks associated with advanced technologies like AI.

China’s revised law requires citizens to report suspected espionage activities and offers rewards for significant contributions, with some individuals receiving over 100,000 yuan. The country is establishing a mechanism for citizens to expose and report espionage activities.

Source: Nikkei Chinese, July 1, 2024
https://zh.cn.nikkei.com/china/cpolicssociety/56013-2024-07-01-10-52-20.html

Recent attacks on American and Japanese citizens in Jilin and Suzhou have sparked heated discussions on Chinese social media platforms. The Suzhou incident, which resulted in the death of a Chinese national, led to a surge in anti-Japanese sentiment.

Chinese social media platforms have begun intervening to curb nationalist rhetoric. Some commentators believe the Suzhou incident could have far-reaching effects on China’s economy and foreign investment.

The attack in Suzhou, where a Japanese mother and child were assaulted, resulted in the death of a Chinese bus attendant who tried to prevent the attack. Online discussions following the incident ranged from praising the attacker as a national hero to questioning the loyalty of the deceased attendant.

Former Chinese media professional Zhao Lanjian noted a proliferation of anti-Japanese videos online, many created by young people openly expressing radical views. He suggested these groups might be organized and tacitly approved by authorities.

In response to the controversy, major Chinese social media platforms like Tencent, Douyin, NetEase, and Baidu have taken steps to moderate extreme content and suspend accounts promoting xenophobia.

Political scholar Wu Zuolai observed that nationalism has long been used by Chinese authorities to garner public support and divert attention from social issues. He noted that the recent escalation in anti-Japanese sentiment could have serious economic consequences, potentially affecting foreign investment and job opportunities in China.

The Chinese government has expressed regret over the Suzhou incident and pledged to protect foreigners in China, but some Japanese media outlets have criticized the response as inadequate.

Source: Voice of America, July 2, 2024
https://www.voachinese.com/a/china-cracks-down-on-online-anti-japan-comments-20240702/7682219.html