China will reward anyone who identifies potential national security breaches with up to $15,000
The Chinese government has offered rewards for tips on foreign spying for many years. However, these new measures aim to regulate the incentive nationally and encourage more citizens, according to the Ministry of State Security via the state-run Legal Daily on Tuesday.
The ministry stated that the formulation of these measures was conducive to mobilizing all the public’s enthusiasm to support and aid in national security work and widely rallying their hearts, wisdom, and strength.
For “especially significant contributions to the prevention suppression and punishment acts seriously endangering national safety”, cash rewards are available in amounts ranging from 10,000 yuan ($1,500), to 100,000 yuan (about $15,000).
Certificates may be used instead of cash “spiritual” awards. If the informant consents, the ministry might hold a ceremony in which they can hand over their award.
The ministry stated that whistleblowers have the option to provide information online, over the phone, or in writing. However, they must give their personal details to be eligible for an award. Two people can submit the same information and only one person will receive any reward.
On Weibo (China’s Twitter-like social media network), the move was warmly received. One user stated that if he can find any, he’ll tip off, even without any reward. Another claimed it would benefit the nation.
This comes before the 20th National Congress (Chinese Communist Party) which is a crucial meeting that occurs twice a decade. It is expected to take place later in the year. A third term of President Xi Jinping is likely to be granted, a rare feat in modern times.
According to the state-controlled Xinhua news agency, the new measures were in line with Xi’s “thoughts on the rule of laws and the overall security of the nation.”
China established a hotline to report national security threats in 2015. Beijing government has been publicizing the dangers posed foreign spies for a long time. This is especially relevant given the increasing conflict between China and the West.
In 2016, a comic strip warned government workers to be cautious of attractive foreigners in the event that they turn out to have been secret agents.
Separately, Hong Kong police relaunched their counter-terrorism hotline Wednesday and offered cash rewards for information about extremists or radicals.
