The National Intelligence Law was promulgated in 2007 and amended in 2018 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on April 27, 2018.

There are 32 articles in total.

The key points are as follows:

1.The central leading body for national security shall uniformly lead national intelligence work.

2.National security departments and public security intelligence agencies and military intelligence agencies (hereinafter collectively referred to as national intelligence departments) shall, according to division of functions, cooperate with each other and effectively conduct intelligence work and intelligence operations.

3.A national intelligence department shall, as required by the work, use necessary means, methods and channels in accordance with the law to conduct intelligence work in and outside China.

4.A national intelligence department shall collect and handle in accordance with the law the intelligence in relation to any act which is detrimental to the national security and interests of the People’s Republic of China, performed by an overseas institution, organization or individual, or by any other person as instigated or funded thereby, or by collusion between domestic and overseas institutions, organizations or individuals, so as to provide intelligence basis or reference for preventing, putting an end to or punishing the aforesaid act.

5.A national intelligence department which conducts intelligence work in accordance with the law may require any relevant department, organization or citizen to give necessary support, assistance or cooperation.