China has just passed sweeping, wide-ranging new legislation which expands government reach over the Internet and even to outer space. The law was passed in response to a growing threat to the country's national security.
Zheng Shuna a senior official at the National People's Congress (NPC), states that the new law is a response to threats that the country has been receiving recently, according to The Wall Street Journal.
"China's national security situation has become increasingly severe," she said, describing the background of the law, adding "China was under pressure to maintain national sovereignty and at the same time handle political security and social security, while dealing with internal society."
"It would not leave any room for disputes, compromises or interference when protecting its core interests," she also said, according to the Jakarta Post.
The new law, which was passed by the NPC by an overwhelming 154 to zero vote, calls for strengthened management over the internet and tougher measures against online attacks, theft of sensitive information, and the spread of harmful or subversive information.
It further states that core information technology, critical infrastructure, as well as important data systems must be "secure and controllable" in order to protect and maintain the security of the country's sovereignty in the internet, reports the Star Tribune.
The vaguely-worded law also declares cyberspace and outer space as part of China's national security assets. Ocean depths as well as polar regions that Beijing has been actively exploring are also classified as part of the country's national interests.
Maya Wang, China researcher for US-based Human Rights Watch, is a bit skeptical about the new law.
"It includes elements that define criticism of the government as a form of subversion," she said.
"It is very vague in defining what kind of specific actions would constitute a citizen endangering state security," she added.
