China defends ‘national security’ probe into consulting firm

ISTANBUL

China on Tuesday defended an alleged “espionage” probe into a global consulting firm, citing “national security.”

“The Chinese national security authorities' probe into a consulting company was a normal law enforcement action in line with Chinese laws,” said Wang Wenbin, spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry.

“It aims to promote the healthy development of the industry, safeguard national security and development interests,” Wang said, according to Chinese daily Global Times.

Wang was referring to an “espionage case” involving Capvision – which has eight offices around the world, including in Shanghai and New York in the US, according to the report.

Chinese security sleuths on Monday raided Capvision’s several branches including at Suzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, Shenzhen and other cities, “urging it to fulfill its responsibilities and obligations for counter-espionage, and to promote the sound development of the consulting industry.”

The national security organs have found that many overseas institutions with complex backgrounds have disguised their overseas background by using domestic consulting companies, with the purpose of stealing state secrets and intelligence from key sectors, according to China Central Television on Monday.

Last month, Chinese lawmakers voted to adopt an amended counter-espionage law, which takes effect on July 1.