China urges comprehensive, accurate interpretation of its intelligence law

BEIJING - China on Tuesday called on relevant sides to "comprehensively" and "accurately" understand its National Intelligence Law, instead of making a one-sided out-of-context interpretation.

Some Western media have voiced concerns over Article 7 of the law and suggested their countries adopt restrictive measures on Huawei's technologies and devices.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang dismissed such concerns at a routine press briefing.

He said Article 7 stipulated the obligations of organizations and individuals to lawfully support, assist and cooperate with the country's intelligence service, but Article 8 clearly stipulated the national intelligence service should carry out its work according to law, respect and protect human rights, and safeguard the legal rights and interests of individuals and organizations.

"I'm wondering whether those who accused the law have carefully read its articles. I hope they can look at it comprehensively and understand it accurately, instead of making one-sided interpretation that is out of context," Geng said.

Meanwhile, there are many provisions in other laws to protect the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals, including data security and the right to privacy. Those stipulations also apply to intelligence-related work, he said.

"We hope relevant sides will abandon prejudice and the presumption of guilt, and view the normal business activities of Chinese enterprises in an objective and fair way."

China hopes related countries can truly follow the market principle of fair competition and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises to conduct legitimate business, Geng said.