China calls for comprehensive intelligence law interpretation

CHINA has called on relevant sides to “comprehensively” and “accurately” understand its National Intelligence Law, instead of making a one-sided, out-ofcontext interpretation.

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

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang dismissed such concerns at a routine press briefing.

He said Article 7 stipulates the obligations of organizations and individuals to lawfully support, assist and cooperate with the country’s intelligence service.

But Article 8 clearly stipulates the national intelligence service should carry out its work according to the law, respect and protect human rights, and safeguard the legal rights and interests of individuals and organizations.

“I hope they can look at it comprehensively and understand it accurately, instead of making a 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 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,” he said.

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

(Xinhua)