China narrows definition of "state secrets" to boost government transparency

Beijing, Apr.30 (ANI): In an effort to boost transparency, China's Parliament has narrowed the definition of "state secrets."

Lawmakers approved the amended law at the end of the four-day bimonthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, or the top legislature, after three reviews, the first of which began last June.

State secrets have a clearer definition in the amended law. They are defined as information concerning state security and interests and, if leaked, would damage state security and interests in the areas of politics, economy and national defense, among others.

According to Xinhua, it also raises the level of government departments that can classify information a state secret.

The National Administration for the Protection of State Secrets and local bureaus above the county level are responsible for national and local classification, respectively. (ANI)