China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has made its debut on Chinese social media, encouraging citizens to report suspected spy activities and released a video showcasing major incidents like the 2019 Hong Kong riots and Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou’s return. In response, the US expressed concerns over the mobilization of Chinese society for counterintelligence and espionage prevention, labeling it a misinterpretation.
Experts assert that the move comes as China faces a complex counter-espionage situation, with increased infiltration efforts by the US-led West, often associated with “color revolutions.” They emphasize the need for vigilance against espionage and heightened awareness of national security.
However, experts clarify that the mobilization is not about encouraging citizens to spy on each other, but to report suspicious activities. They criticize the US for its double standards, pointing out its extensive mass surveillance and historical “hunt for spies” during the McCarthyism era.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has pledged to take necessary measures to safeguard national security in response to the US’s attempts to rebuild spy networks in China. They argue that mobilizing all of society is a standard practice to effectively combat espionage threats.
The MSS released a video to instill anti-espionage awareness, citing events in Hong Kong and Meng Wanzhou’s case as examples of Western infiltration leading to violent opposition. The expansion of China’s counter-espionage law has raised concerns among foreign companies, but experts emphasize that it aims to maintain a safe investment environment without wronging innocent parties.
China assures that it will govern by law and handle culprits appropriately. They argue that anti-espionage efforts and openness to foreign investment are not conflicting concepts, as both are crucial for national security and economic prosperity.