You must have heard about many intelligence agencies like RAW, ISI, MI-6, CIA. Perhaps you also know which countries have intelligence agencies. But have you ever heard anything about China's intelligence system or intelligence agency? Today we will tell you about China's intelligence department. Explain that China makes much less mention of its intelligence system than other countries. Even most people do not know the head of the intelligence department there. Let us tell you about China's intelligence department ...
What is MSS?
Like every country, China also has an intelligence department. China's security department is called the Ministry of State Security (MSS). This department was established in the year 1983. The Department is responsible for counter-intelligence, foreign intelligence as well as information gathering, surveillance, and national security by domestic and foreign intelligence systems.
These agencies work as both CIA and FBI agencies for China. The MSS functions like other ministries under China's cabinet. MSS has a vast network of provincial and municipal branches throughout China.
Who is MSS Head?
Shane Wenking currently heads MSS. Shen has served for two decades in the Army Security Forces in Sichuan, his home province. Prior to joining the espionage agency in 2015, Shen was the deputy head of the anti-corruption wing of the Communist Party. Along with this, he also monitored the internal affairs of the party for two years.
The agency does not share any of its information. The names of the detective agency's deputy ministers are never disclosed. Ma Xian is one of the few exceptions to this, who was greatly maligned over his relationship with high-profile fugitive Guo Wengui. Guo Vengui is now living in the US, fleeing from China.
Another deputy chief whose name has been revealed is Qiu Jin. Qiu Jin's identity was revealed when he traveled to Beijing with the then Chongqing police chief Wang Lijun. Wang took refuge in the US Consulate, Chengdu, in early 2012. Because of his relationship with Bo Jilai, the head of the Chongqing party, soured.
What is the power of MSS?
Under the National Intelligence Act enacted in the year 2017, the MSS has permission to conduct espionage activities both in the country and abroad, along with other intelligence systems.
The MSS has extensive powers to monitor and investigate any foreign or domestic person or institution.
The MSS can also order any person or institution to engage in intelligence activities.
The MSS can take up to 15 days of administrative custody of any person who somehow impedes the functioning of intelligence or information.
Under China's Criminal Procedure Act, the MSS and regular police have equal rights to arrest or detain people for crimes related to national security.
Main matters of national security
The MSS detained two Canadian nationals - former diplomat Michael Kovarg and businessman Michael Spowers - for allegedly posing a threat to national security. Explain that the crime of national security has been defined very widely in China. The charge of sedition in China is mostly used to target opposition politicians and human rights, advocates.
In 2018, Sheng Hong, Director, Unique Institute of Economics, was barred from leaving the country on the grounds that they were threatening national security. While Sheng Hong wanted to attend a seminar at Harvard University.
In 2016, a Swedish NGO activist Peter Dahlin was detained by the MSS for more than three weeks on charges of treason. He was later deported after admitting guilt on the national channel and apologizing.
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