Authorities in Jilin Province launched a counter-espionage hotline on Sunday that lets citizens and organizations to report suspicions of espionage, according to a Sunday report by New Cultural Newspaper, a Jilin-based news agency.
The hotline aims to punish foreign organizations and individuals for conducting espionage activities or sponsoring others who conduct them. It also punishes domestic organizations and individuals who conduct espionage activities for foreign organizations and individuals.
"Jilin Province is an important place for safeguarding China's national security because the northeastern region is an industrial and military base. The hotline will help the local government combat spying," military expert Song Zhongping said in a statement to the Global Times.
In September and October, four Japanese spies were caught in China, including a male spy conducting espionage activities near a military facility in Jilin Province, according to a report by the Oriental Morning Post.
Song said that espionage activities targeting China have increased in recent years, focusing on China's military, economic and political affairs.
"China is entering a crucial period. Many foreign countries are eager to get inside information about national strategies, with others sabotaging the country's development," said Song.
Espionage groups have been recruiting people who are seeking job opportunities, including teachers and students in colleges.
"The counter-espionage hotline is a good way for the local government to enforce the law and deal with spying," said Song. "Other provinces may launch their own counter-espionage hotlines soon, following Jilin's lead."
However, Jilin is not the first province to introduce an anti-espionage hotline. Hainan Province launched a 24-hour anti-spying hotline in July that helped expose 10 alleged espionage activities, according to a report by the Legal Daily.