'Hostile forces' hit over claim of phone checks for all visitors

Assertions that all arrivals in China will face mobile telephone checks from July 1 are false, authorities said yesterday, dismissing them as distortions of the truth made by "anti-China forces."

On April 26, the state security ministry issued documents it said broadened the reach of law enforcement regulations and helped combat illegal activities that risk national security.

"However, some hostile overseas anti-China forces have seized on the opportunity to distort the truth," it said, dismissing as "absolutely preposterous" a claim that all arrivals would undergo phone checks upon entry.

The new national security rule drew wide public attention and positive feedback, it said, adding that the newly amended counterespionage law targets "individuals or organizations related to counter-espionage work, such as suspected spies who take pictures or videos in military restricted areas or classified units," it said.

REUTERS