Overview

• China's top legislative body broadened the state secrets law, introducing 'work secrets' as a new category of protected information.
• The law now covers information that, while not classified as state secrets, could have negative impacts if disclosed.
• This move is part of President Xi Jinping's broader national security strategy, which has seen a crackdown on espionage and tighter control over information.
• Foreign businesses in China face increased risks and uncertainties due to the expanded scope of what may be considered sensitive information.
• The revision also strengthens the coordination between the state secrets law and China's Data Security Law.