The Chinese Ministry of State Security recently announced two regulations, expanding the authorities’ power to investigate electronic devices of inbound individuals. Concerns have been raised among the public that no one arriving in China may escape scrutiny. On May 28, the Chinese Ministry of State Security claimed that they are targeting only those engaged in espionage activities. However, the public remains skeptical of the official explanation, stating, “If the Chinese Communist Party says you are a spy, then you are a spy, even if you are not.”
On May 28, the topic of “phone inspection upon entry to China” by the Chinese Ministry of State Security appeared on the trending list of a social media platform in China. The Ministry of State Security issued an article in both Chinese and English on May 28, stating that the inspection targets must be individuals and organizations “related to counter-espionage work,” such as those suspected of conducting spy activities like unauthorized filming of military restricted areas or sensitive units. Unauthorized inspections cannot be conducted by staff unrelated to counter-espionage work.
The article also claimed that the notion of “everyone entering China will have their phones checked” is manipulated by anti-China hostile forces abroad.
However, netizens do not believe the response from the Chinese Ministry of State Security. On platform X, many users posted dissenting comments.
“Sfsky” said, “Explanation is a disguise, and a disguise is the truth.”
“Wu Jiaguang” expressed, “If the CCP wants to inspect you, they will do it without needing a reason. The reason lies solely on their words.”
“The Revolt Times” opined, “In China (CCP), if they say you are a spy, then you are a spy, whether you are or not.”
“Luckydeer” remarked, “They say you are something, then you are.”
“z123” stated, “The Ministry of State Security’s article confirms the phone inspection is true. They don’t inspect everyone; they inspect whoever they want.”
“uouotai87231597” wrote, “In a country without the rule of law, can someone explain what a clear inspection means?”
“Bison 29032” analyzed, “The arbitrary enforcement by Chinese (CCP) judicial and national security agencies is too great, and their methods are too despicable. For example, Chinese (CCP) security personnel intentionally leading unfamiliar Japanese tourists to military restricted areas, then arresting them, using them for hostage diplomacy with Japan. Similar incidents in China are not uncommon.”
“ehenhen2017” commented, “If the Ministry of State Security already knows who the spies are, why not deny them entry? And even if they haven’t entered, what confidential information could there be on their electronic devices for the Ministry of State Security to view? If this is a strategy of feigning ignorance, wouldn’t it have already alerted the suspects? How does this reasoning continue?”
On April 26 this year, the Chinese Ministry of State Security released the “Regulations on Security Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures of the National Security Agency” and the “Procedures for Handling Criminal Cases by the National Security Agencies,” mentioning that local “enforcement officers” will have the authority to “inspect electronic devices.” These regulations will come into effect on July 1. Hong Kong and Taiwan media, along with Chinese language media from other countries, reported that the “National Security New Regulations” of the CCP did not specifically state that they only target Chinese citizens; foreign citizens entering China may also face inspections.
Customs in Shenzhen and Shanghai have begun inspections ahead of schedule. Radio Free Asia reported on May 7 that a resident returning to Hong Kong from Shenzhen witnessed a woman behind her being stopped by customs officials and had her phone checked. She mentioned similar experiences at airports in Nanjing and Hangzhou, stating, “They look into your phone for content, such as photos and their contents. That day, I cleared my phone, deleting highly sensitive content.” A resident of Shanghai, Mr. Shao, recently returned from Japan to Shanghai and saw customs officials inspecting a man’s phone at the airport.
(Previously reported: Chinese police can inspect people’s phones at any time starting July. Some airports have already begun.)