NPC Reviews Cyber Security and National Security Laws

On June 24, the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee had its first reading of the draft of China's first Cyber Security Law at the 15th meeting of the 12th NPC in Beijing. The draft law includes 7 chapters and 68 articles, outlining specific mechanisms to ensure security of network products and services, network operations and network data and information, with a stated aim of safeguarding China's cyber security, cyberspace sovereignty and national security.

According to the news report published by state-run Xinhua Net, "safeguarding cyberspace sovereignty and national security" will be the key principle for China's dealings in any cyber-related activities, including international cooperation and cyber governance.

Specifically, the draft includes requirements for critical information infrastructure operation security, and mechanisms to protect citizens' personal information from theft, leakage or illegal use, based on NPC's previous decision on strengthening cyber information protection. The draft law also requires establishing and completing cyber security monitoring and alarm systems, cyber information collection, analysis and reporting, as well as cyber security emergency response measures.

In addition, on June 25, the NPC also reviewed China's draft National Security Law following the second reading in April, and suggested that the revised draft be ready for a final vote during this NPC 15th meeting, which lasts from June 24 - July 1.