China Rejects Claims of Mandatory Phone Checks for All Arrivals

Chinese authorities have firmly denied allegations that all arrivals in China will be subjected to mobile phone checks starting from July 1. The claims were dismissed as 'absolutely preposterous' by local officials.

Why this matters: This matter has significant implications for international travelers and global privacy concerns. If true, such a policy could lead to widespread surveillance and erosion of personal freedoms.

On April 26, the Chinese Ministry of State Security issued documents regarding new law enforcement regulations. However, these regulations were allegedly misinterpreted by 'hostile overseas anti-China elements,' leading to the false claims.

Officials clarified that phone checks would only target specific individuals or organizations involved in counter-espionage activities, such as suspected spies who take videos or pictures in military restricted areas. These checks are not intended for all arrivals.

The Ministry of State Security emphasized that the new national security rule has drawn wide public attention and positive feedback. The newly amended counterespionage law sets specific regulations on lawful inspection of electronic equipment and facilities.

A statement from the ministry read, 'Some hostile overseas anti-China forces have seized on the opportunity to distort the truth by making scandalous and false allegations.'

This incident follows the expansion of China's state secrets law earlier this year, which widened the scope of restricted sensitive information to include 'work secrets.' The recent allegations of phone checks at the border were likely linked to this expansion.

Chinese authorities reiterated that the claims of mandatory phone checks for all arrivals are baseless and part of a broader effort by anti-China forces to distort the truth.

Key Takeaways

• China denies allegations of mandatory mobile phone checks for all arrivals starting July 1.
• Phone checks will only target specific individuals or organizations involved in counter-espionage activities.
• New national security rule sets regulations for lawful inspection of electronic equipment and facilities.
• Allegations of phone checks are seen as part of a broader effort by anti-China forces to distort the truth.
• Claims of mandatory phone checks are "absolutely preposterous" and have no basis in fact.