Understanding China’s National Intelligence Law (2018)
Implications and Coercive Mechanisms
After reading a recent report by Stanford University (INVESTIGATION: Uncovering Chinese Academic Espionage at Stanford) and reflecting on my own experiences in the U.S., I have observed increasing surveillance of Chinese-related activities by the CCP agents. I firmly believe that China’s National Intelligence Law, enacted in 2017 and amended in 2018, has significantly empowered such actors, serving as a key legal instrument that effectively facilitated CCP’s intensified transnational intelligence gathering, infiltration, and repression.
This also explains why the Chinese community has become increasingly silent, because dis-cooperative costs too much. Almost all Chinese has relatives back in the mainland China. Leveraging their weakness (软肋) to coerse them keep silent is always an effective tool for CCP towards its people. Xinjiang people have to be silent, now, Hong Kongers have to be silent, too.
Let’s get back to National Intelligence Law (amended 2018), key articles and my interpretation (The Chinese version Law and English translation are also enclosed)
Key Articles and Implications:
Article 3: Centralized Leadership
CCP espionage is organized as a centralized, unified, and coordinated national intelligence system led by the National Security Commission (headed by Xi Jinping) and the Ministry of State Security.
Article 4: Execution of Espionage Strategy
National intelligence work combines open and covert operations, mobilizes the masses to act as informants, collects specialized information in a categorized manner, and coordinates with relevant institutions.
Article 5: The Intelligence System
The National Intelligence Work Institutions include national, public security, and military intelligence agencies.
Article 7: Mandatory Cooperation and Confidentiality
All Chinese organizations and citizens, both domestic and overseas, are legally required to support, assist, and cooperate with China’s intelligence agencies and to keep any intelligence-related information confidential. Refusal to comply is illegal, may face criminal charges.
Article 9: Rewards for Cooperation
The state will commend and financially reward individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to national intelligence work, including those who provide valuable intelligence or assist in its collection.
Article 10: Transnational Reporting as a Legal Duty
National intelligence institutions are authorized to use necessary means and channels inside and outside China to collect intelligence. This effectively imposes a legal duty on Chinese citizens and organizations abroad to assist intelligence activities when requested.
Article 11: Monitoring and Suppression of Dissidents
National intelligence agencies are authorized and funded to collect and process intelligence on any dissidents, any activities, whether initiated, supported, or coordinated by domestic or foreign actors, that endanger China’s national security and interests. This includes surveillance, suppression, and punishment of dissidents.
Articles 12-14: Recruitment of Agents
The law authorizes intelligence agencies to recruit and collaborate with individuals or organizations to assist in intelligence gathering on active or potential dissidents.
Articles 15-18: High-Tech Surveillance and Special Access Privileges
Chinese intelligence agencies may use advanced technical surveillance tools and covert identity protection measures. Intelligence officers can enter restricted areas, gather sensitive materials, and question individuals. They may also coordinate with customs and immigration authorities for expedited access at ports of entry, facilitating intelligence operations domestically and abroad.
Article 21: Agent Recruitment, Loyalty Testing, Compensation, and Lifecycle
The law mandates state protection of CCP-affiliated agents’ identities and establishes systems for recruiting, evaluating, training (including loyalty indoctrination), compensating, and retiring intelligence personnel, effectively managing the full lifecycle of covert operatives. Upon retirement, agents can transition back to civilian life under official arrangements.
Articles 26-27: Internal Control on Agents
Intelligence agencies must implement strict supervision and auditing systems, including regular internal reviews of personnel conduct. These controls often operate through mutual monitoring and internal reporting (相互监督举报), where agents observe and report on one another to ensure absolute loyalty, discipline, and ideological conformity.
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English translation of the National Intelligence Law
National Intelligence Law of the People's Republic of China
(2018 Amended Version)
Contents
Chapter I: General Provisions
Chapter II: Functions and Powers of National Intelligence Work Institutions
Chapter III: Safeguards for National Intelligence Work
Chapter IV: Legal Liability
Chapter V: Supplementary Provisions
Chapter I: General Provisions
Article 1
This Law is enacted in accordance with the Constitution in order to strengthen and safeguard national intelligence work, and to preserve national security and interests.
Article 2
National intelligence work adheres to a holistic view of national security. It provides intelligence support for major national decisions, and for the prevention and mitigation of risks that endanger national security. It aims to protect national sovereignty, unification, territorial integrity, regime security, the welfare of the people, sustainable economic and social development, and other major interests of the nation.
Article 3
The state establishes a centralized, unified, efficient, and coordinated national intelligence system.
The central national security leadership institution exercises unified leadership over national intelligence work, formulates strategies and policies, plans overall development, and coordinates efforts across all fields of intelligence. It decides on major issues related to national intelligence. (National Security Commission
The Central Military Commission organizes and leads military intelligence work.
Article 4
National intelligence work is carried out by both open and covert operations, combining specialized tasks with the masses, and assigning division of responsibilities with coordination and cooperation.
Article 5
National security and public security intelligence agencies, as well as military intelligence agencies (collectively “national intelligence work institutions”), operate within the scope of their responsibilities and cooperate with each other to carry out intelligence tasks.
Other relevant state institutions shall support and coordinate with intelligence institutions according to their respective functions.
Article 6
Intelligence institutions and their personnel shall be loyal to the state and people, observe the Constitution and laws, uphold professional ethics, maintain discipline and integrity, and defend national interests without self-interest.
Article 7
All organizations and citizens shall support, assist, and cooperate with national intelligence efforts in accordance with the law and shall protect any state intelligence work secrets they become aware of.
The state shall protect individuals and organizations that provide such support and cooperation.
Article 8
National intelligence activities shall be conducted in accordance with the law, respecting and protecting human rights and safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organizations.
Article 9
The state shall commend and reward individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to national intelligence work.
Chapter II: Functions and Powers of Intelligence Institutions
Article 10
National intelligence institutions may use necessary means, methods, and channels inside and outside China to collect intelligence in accordance with law and as required.
Article 11
National intelligence work institutions shall, in accordance with the law, collect and handle intelligence concerning acts that endanger the national security and interests of the People's Republic of China, which are carried out, instigated, or funded by foreign institutions, organizations, or individuals, or are carried out in collusion between domestic and foreign institutions, organizations, or individuals, in order to provide intelligence support or reference for preventing, curbing, and punishing such activities.
Article 12
Intelligence institutions may establish cooperative relationships and entrust individuals or organizations to carry out related work in accordance with regulations.
Article 13
They may also engage in external exchanges and cooperation related to intelligence as per national regulations.
Article 14
They may request relevant agencies, organizations, or citizens to provide necessary support and cooperation for intelligence activities.
Article 15
With strict approval procedures and according to national regulations, intelligence institutions may adopt technical surveillance or identity protection measures when needed.
Article 16
When lawfully performing duties, intelligence officers may, upon approval and presenting proper identification, enter restricted areas, request information, and access or collect relevant files, materials, or objects.
Article 17
In urgent situations, intelligence personnel may be granted passage privileges, requisition vehicles, communication tools, buildings, or locations as necessary. Such requisitions must be returned or restored and properly compensated.
Article 18
Intelligence institutions may request customs and immigration agencies to offer expedited access and exemptions per regulations.
Article 19
Intelligence institutions and their personnel must not exceed their authority, abuse power, infringe upon lawful rights, exploit their position for personal gain, or disclose state, commercial, or personal secrets.
Chapter III: Safeguards
Article 20
Intelligence work conducted in accordance with law is protected by law.
Article 21
The state provides special management and protection regarding the personnel, budget, and assets of intelligence institutions.
It also establishes systems for personnel recruitment, evaluation, training, compensation, and exit.
Article 22
Intelligence agencies shall improve their capabilities and apply technology to enhance the collection and analysis of intelligence.
Article 23
If an intelligence worker or collaborator faces threats to their personal safety (or that of close relatives), the state must take protective or rescue measures.
Article 24
Those who contribute significantly to intelligence work and require resettlement shall be properly settled with the support of relevant government departments and state-owned organizations.
Article 25
In cases of injury, disability, or death caused by supporting or participating in intelligence work, individuals and organizations shall be compensated and honored according to law.
Article 26
Agencies shall establish strict supervision and review systems and regularly audit the conduct of intelligence personnel.
Article 27
Anyone may report misconduct or abuse of power by intelligence institutions. Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited, and institutions must ensure confidentiality and provide complaint channels.
Chapter IV: Legal Liability
Article 28
Anyone who obstructs intelligence work may be warned, detained, or punished according to the law, and criminal liability applies when warranted.
Article 29
Anyone who leaks state secrets related to intelligence work may face administrative or criminal penalties.
Article 30
Those impersonating intelligence personnel to commit fraud or extortion will be punished under public security laws and possibly criminal law.
Article 31
Intelligence officers who abuse power, violate rights, or exploit their position shall be disciplined or prosecuted according to law.
Chapter V: Supplementary Provisions
Article 32
This law takes effect on June 28, 2017.
中华人民共和国国家情报法（2018年修正本）
目 录
第一章 总则
第二章 国家情报工作机构职权
第三章 国家情报工作保障
第四章 法律责任
第五章 附则
第一章 总则
第一条
为了加强和保障国家情报工作，维护国家安全和利益，根据宪法，制定本法。
第二条
国家情报工作坚持总体国家安全观，为国家重大决策提供情报参考，为防范和化解危害国家安全的风险提供情报支持，维护国家政权、主权、统一和领土完整、人民福祉、经济社会可持续发展和国家其他重大利益。
第三条
国家建立健全集中统一、分工协作、科学高效的国家情报体制。
中央国家安全领导机构对国家情报工作实行统一领导，制定国家情报工作方针政策，规划国家情报工作整体发展，建立健全国家情报工作协调机制，统筹协调各领域国家情报工作，研究决定国家情报工作中的重大事项。
中央军事委员会统一领导和组织军队情报工作。
第四条
国家情报工作坚持公开工作与秘密工作相结合、专门工作与群众路线相结合、分工负责与协作配合相结合的原则。
第五条
国家安全机关和公安机关情报机构、军队情报机构（以下统称国家情报工作机构）按照职责分工，相互配合，做好情报工作、开展情报行动。
各有关国家机关应当根据各自职能和任务分工，与国家情报工作机构密切配合。
第六条
国家情报工作机构及其工作人员应当忠于国家和人民，遵守宪法和法律，忠于职守，纪律严明，清正廉洁，无私奉献，坚决维护国家安全和利益。
第七条
任何组织和公民都应当依法支持、协助和配合国家情报工作，保守所知悉的国家情报工作秘密。
国家对支持、协助和配合国家情报工作的个人和组织给予保护。
第八条
国家情报工作应当依法进行，尊重和保障人权，维护个人和组织的合法权益。
第九条
国家对在国家情报工作中作出重大贡献的个人和组织给予表彰和奖励。
第二章 国家情报工作机构职权
第十条
国家情报工作机构根据工作需要，依法使用必要的方式、手段和渠道，在境内外开展情报工作。
第十一条
国家情报工作机构应当依法搜集和处理境外机构、组织、个人实施或者指使、资助他人实施的，或者境内外机构、组织、个人相勾结实施的危害中华人民共和国国家安全和利益行为的相关情报，为防范、制止和惩治上述行为提供情报依据或者参考。
第十二条
国家情报工作机构可以按照国家有关规定，与有关个人和组织建立合作关系，委托开展相关工作。
第十三条
国家情报工作机构可以按照国家有关规定，开展对外交流与合作。
第十四条
国家情报工作机构依法开展情报工作，可以要求有关机关、组织和公民提供必要的支持、协助和配合。
第十五条
国家情报工作机构根据工作需要，按照国家有关规定，经过严格的批准手续，可以采取技术侦察措施和身份保护措施。
第十六条
国家情报工作机构工作人员依法执行任务时，按照国家有关规定，经过批准，出示相应证件，可以进入限制进入的有关区域、场所，可以向有关机关、组织和个人了解、询问有关情况，可以查阅或者调取有关的档案、资料、物品。
第十七条
国家情报工作机构工作人员因执行紧急任务需要，经出示相应证件，可以享受通行便利。
国家情报工作机构工作人员根据工作需要，按照国家有关规定，可以优先使用或者依法征用有关机关、组织和个人的交通工具、通信工具、场地和建筑物，必要时，可以设置相关工作场所和设备、设施，任务完成后应当及时归还或者恢复原状，并依照规定支付相应费用；造成损失的，应当补偿。
第十八条
国家情报工作机构根据工作需要，按照国家有关规定，可以提请海关、出入境边防检查等机关提供免检等便利。
第十九条
国家情报工作机构及其工作人员应当严格依法办事，不得超越职权、滥用职权，不得侵犯公民和组织的合法权益，不得利用职务便利为自己或者他人谋取私利，不得泄露国家秘密、商业秘密和个人信息。
第三章 国家情报工作保障
第二十条
国家情报工作机构及其工作人员依法开展情报工作，受法律保护。
第二十一条
国家加强国家情报工作机构建设，对其机构设置、人员、编制、经费、资产实行特殊管理，给予特殊保障。
国家建立适应情报工作需要的人员录用、选调、考核、培训、待遇、退出等管理制度。
第二十二条
国家情报工作机构应当适应情报工作需要，提高开展情报工作的能力。
国家情报工作机构应当运用科学技术手段，提高对情报信息的鉴别、筛选、综合和研判分析水平。
第二十三条
国家情报工作机构工作人员因执行任务，或者与国家情报工作机构建立合作关系的人员因协助国家情报工作，其本人或者近亲属人身安全受到威胁时，国家有关部门应当采取必要措施，予以保护、营救。
第二十四条
对为国家情报工作作出贡献并需要安置的人员，国家给予妥善安置。
公安、民政、财政、卫生、教育、人力资源社会保障、退役军人事务、医疗保障等有关部门以及国有企业事业单位应当协助国家情报工作机构做好安置工作。
第二十五条
对因开展国家情报工作或者支持、协助和配合国家情报工作导致伤残或者牺牲、死亡的人员，按照国家有关规定给予相应的抚恤优待。
个人和组织因支持、协助和配合国家情报工作导致财产损失的，按照国家有关规定给予补偿。
第二十六条
国家情报工作机构应当建立健全严格的监督和安全审查制度，对其工作人员遵守法律和纪律等情况进行监督，并依法采取必要措施，定期或者不定期进行安全审查。
第二十七条
任何个人和组织对国家情报工作机构及其工作人员超越职权、滥用职权和其他违法违纪行为，有权检举、控告。受理检举、控告的有关机关应当及时查处，并将查处结果告知检举人、控告人。
对依法检举、控告国家情报工作机构及其工作人员的个人和组织，任何个人和组织不得压制和打击报复。
国家情报工作机构应当为个人和组织检举、控告、反映情况提供便利渠道，并为检举人、控告人保密。
第四章 法律责任
第二十八条
违反本法规定，阻碍国家情报工作机构及其工作人员依法开展情报工作的，由国家情报工作机构建议相关单位给予处分或者由国家安全机关、公安机关处警告或者十五日以下拘留；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任。
第二十九条
泄露与国家情报工作有关的国家秘密的，由国家情报工作机构建议相关单位给予处分或者由国家安全机关、公安机关处警告或者十五日以下拘留；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任。
第三十条
冒充国家情报工作机构工作人员或者其他相关人员实施招摇撞骗、诈骗、敲诈勒索等行为的，依照《中华人民共和国治安管理处罚法》的规定处罚；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任。
第三十一条
国家情报工作机构及其工作人员有超越职权、滥用职权，侵犯公民和组织的合法权益，利用职务便利为自己或者他人谋取私利，泄露国家秘密、商业秘密和个人信息等违法违纪行为的，依法给予处分；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任。
第五章 附则
第三十二条
本法自2017年6月28日起施行