Reports show China has tightened restrictions on foreign nationals in China, and Chinese collaborating with foreign organizations in all sectors by dramatically expanding its legal framework to pursue people who are suspected of or linked to harming national security. The Chinese government urges its people to be extra cautious about espionage and other threats to national security.
China’s politicians are trying to regulate the flow of information in response to rising national security concerns, and this amendment is the latest effort. China’s financial database is likewise blocked to foreigners, and the country’s largest academic database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, was recently closed to many non-Chinese institutions.
Recently returning from Beijing, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that she voiced concerns to her hosts there. She disapproved of the move and compared it to the United States’ response. It is unclear whether Chinese efforts are equally aimed at solving its security issues.
Earlier this year, China’s government authorities searched the workplaces of US-based companies such as Bain & Company, Capvision, and Mintz, interrogating local staff members, and examining computers, demonstrating that Chinese authorities already had the power to target those who were perceived as a threat to national security.
State media revealed five Chinese workers of Bain & Company were arrested. The foreign corporations were charged with leaking information to organizations abroad. Some Chinese employees at these companies have been accused of arranging interviews with Chinese nationals who may have leaked sensitive information about the country’s national security to outsiders.
In other news, the circulation of fake US postage stamps made in China has increased dramatically in the United States.
USPS Forever stamps made in China may be purchased for as low as 7.7 cents apiece, a save of 88% off the regular price of $0.63. One printer claims to have special ink that can identify counterfeits yet still pass as legitimate postage when seen under UV light.
After making this announcement, the Postal Service essentially implied that any mail or shipments discovered to be utilizing counterfeit stamps would be treated as deserted and liable for opening and destruction. The new rule went into effect on July 9th.
