The New Chinese National Intelligence Law

Abstract

The article analyzes the National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China (NIL; 中华⼈民共和国国家情报法) which came into effect on June 28, 2017. For the moment, the new law is the latest component in a series of laws forming the foundation of a new security system designed to maintain the powerful position of the Chinese Communist Party. The author first describes the background of the new law before explaining its regulations in detail, in particular the powers of the security authorities as well as the obligations of the civil population and other authorities to provide information. Another focus of the paper lies on the legal consequences resulting from violations of NIL regulations. Finally, the author points out the risk of the Chinese government establishing a full surveillance and control system over the Chinese society.