反間諜法(fǎnjiàndiéfǎ): Counterespionage law

On Wednesday, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a document for the implementation of China's Counterespionage Law.

According to the law, foreign organizations and individuals who conduct espionage activities or who instigate and sponsor others in conducting them will be punished, as will domestic organizations and individuals who spy on the country for foreign organizations and individuals.

The document stipulates detailed rules for the implementation of the law, including new rules that have proven effective in practice.

According to the document, individuals from overseas may be prevented from entering the country if they are deemed likely to undermine China's national security.

And overseas individuals who violate the law may be deported or ordered to leave within a specified time limit. Those deported will be banned from entry for 10 years from the date of deportation, the document said. People suspected of spying may be prevented from leaving the country.

The document also stipulates that the State Council's State security department is legally responsible for identifying "espionage organizations and their agents "and" specialized espionage devices".