🚔 Criminal
Counter-Espionage Law of the PRC (2023 Amendment) · Yalla China
قانون مكافحة التجسس (تعديل 2023) / Counter-Espionage Law (2023 Amendment)
Enacted: 2023-04-26 ✅ Effective: 2023-07-01
📝 Overview
The 2023 amendment expands the definition of espionage to include data and information collection activities that may affect national security, with strict penalties.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
The Counter-Espionage Law (2023 Amendment) provides: (1) Expanded espionage definition: now includes obtaining documents, materials, and data related to national security; (2) Cyber espionage: cyberattacks against Chinese institutions classified as espionage; (3) Penalties: 10 years to death in serious cases; (4) Travel ban: extended to those under investigation; (5) Risks for foreigners: extreme caution required when collecting commercial and economic information in particular.
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
The espionage definition in China is very broad after the 2023 amendment. Ensure you do not photograph government facilities, infrastructure, or military areas. Journalists and researchers should consult lawyers before working in China.
📎 Official source
National People's Congress of China
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026