Publicity Materials for National Security Education Day

Article 14 of the National Security Law stipulates: “April 15 each year shall be National Security Education Day for all citizens.”
As an ancient saying goes: “One is born in adversity and dies in comfort.” History has repeatedly demonstrated that a prosperous era does not necessarily mean perpetual peace. Today, the world is undergoing a period of profound transformation and major adjustments. Although peaceful development remains the defining theme of our times, the security risks and challenges—both foreseeable and unforeseeable—are unprecedented in scale. National security is not only crucial to the rise and fall of a nation; it also directly affects the vital interests of every citizen. Safeguarding national security not only protects national interests but also safeguards individual interests. Once national security is compromised, we could face enormous costs. The establishment of a National Security Education Day within the National Security Law helps all citizens understand the current national security situation, enhance their awareness of potential crises, and foster a strong sense of national security. It also encourages us to conscientiously implement the National Security Law and related legislation, actively support and cooperate with national security agencies in fulfilling their duties, and make our due contributions to safeguarding national security.
Next, let’s learn about national security and study the knowledge of the National Security Law together.
I. When was the National Security Law adopted and when did it come into effect?
The new National Security Law was adopted at the 15th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on July 1, 2017. The law clearly defines national security tasks in 11 areas—including political security, territorial security, military security, cultural security, and technological security—and takes effect from the date of its promulgation.
II. What are the obligations of citizens in safeguarding national security?
Article 77 of the National Security Law stipulates: Citizens and organizations shall fulfill the following obligations to safeguard national security:
(1) Comply with the relevant provisions of the Constitution, laws, and regulations concerning national security;
(2) Promptly report any leads regarding activities that endanger national security;
(3) Truthfully provide any evidence you are aware of that pertains to activities endangering national security;
(4) Providing facilitating conditions or other assistance for national security work;
(5) Provide necessary support and assistance to state security agencies, public security organs, and relevant military authorities;
(6) Maintain the confidentiality of state secrets that have come to your knowledge;
(7) Other obligations prescribed by laws and administrative regulations.
No individual or organization may engage in any activity that endangers national security, nor may they provide any funding or assistance to individuals or organizations that endanger national security.
3. What rights do citizens have in safeguarding national security?
(1) Actions taken by citizens and organizations to support and assist national security efforts are protected by law. If, as a result of such support or assistance, the personal safety of the individual or that of their close relatives is endangered, they may request protection from the public security authorities or the national security authorities. The public security authorities and the national security authorities, in conjunction with relevant departments, shall take protective measures in accordance with the law.
(2) Citizens and organizations that suffer property losses as a result of supporting or assisting national security efforts shall be compensated in accordance with relevant state regulations; if such actions result in personal injury or death, they shall receive preferential treatment and allowances as stipulated by state regulations.
(3) Citizens and organizations have the right to submit criticisms and suggestions to state authorities regarding national security work, as well as the right to file complaints, accusations, and reports against state authorities and their staff for illegal or negligent conduct in national security matters.
4. In their daily work and life, citizens should heighten their vigilance and pay attention to identifying any activities that pose a threat to national security.
(1) Some suspicious individuals have entered the premises without authorization to conduct investigations and gather information on science and technology, the economy, enterprises, and other related matters. If such a situation is discovered, it must not be disclosed arbitrarily; instead, it should be reported promptly to the local public security authorities or the national security authorities.
(2) Be vigilant against incitement and rumor-mongering by overseas radio, television, internet, and other media outlets.
(3) Some overseas organizations and individuals frequently appear near our military and classified information units, taking advantage of the situation to steal confidential intelligence and information. If you encounter any suspicious individuals, please report them immediately.
(4) Some organizations and individuals with overseas connections are taking advantage of public discontent to incite resistance against the government. In such situations, you should report them immediately.
5. What measures should we take when we discover that state secrets have already been or may be leaked?
(1) If you find documents, materials, or other items classified as state secrets, you shall promptly turn them over to the relevant authorities, organizations, or confidentiality departments.
(2) If anyone is found buying or selling documents, materials, or other items classified as state secrets, they shall promptly report the matter to the confidentiality authorities, the national security agency, or the public security authorities for handling.
(3) If you discover someone stealing or snatching documents, materials, or other items classified as state secrets, you have the right to intervene and must report it immediately.
(4) If you discover any clues indicating a leak or potential leak of state secrets, you should promptly report them to the state security authorities.
6. When did the Anti-Terrorism Law take effect?
The Anti-Terrorism Law was adopted at the 18th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on December 27, 2017, and came into force on January 1, 2017.
7. What are the obligations and rights of citizens in counterterrorism?
(1) Any organization and individual has the obligation to assist and cooperate with the relevant authorities in carrying out counter-terrorism efforts. If they detect any suspicion of terrorist activities or suspected terrorists, they shall promptly report such information to the public security authorities or the relevant departments.
(2) Units and individuals that make outstanding contributions to reporting terrorist activities or assisting in the prevention and suppression of such activities, as well as those that make other outstanding contributions in counter-terrorism efforts, shall be commended and rewarded in accordance with relevant national regulations.
8. When was the Counterespionage Law adopted and when did it come into effect?
The Counterespionage Law was adopted at the 18th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on December 27, 2017, and came into effect on January 1, 2017.
9. What are the obligations and rights of citizens in counter-espionage work?
(1) Citizens and organizations shall provide convenience or other assistance to counter-espionage efforts. If, as a result of assisting in counter-espionage work, the personal safety of the individual concerned or that of their close relatives is endangered, they may request protection from the state security authorities. The state security authorities shall, in conjunction with relevant departments, take protective measures in accordance with the law.
(2) Citizens and organizations that discover espionage activities shall promptly report such activities to the state security authorities. If they report to public security organs or other state agencies and organizations, these agencies and organizations shall immediately forward the information to the state security authorities for handling.
(3) When the state security authorities investigate and gather information about espionage activities and collect relevant evidence, the relevant organizations and individuals shall provide truthful information and shall not refuse.
(4) Any citizen and organization shall keep confidential any state secrets they become aware of concerning counter-espionage work.
(5) No individual or organization may illegally possess documents, materials, or other items classified as state secrets.
(6) No individual or organization may illegally possess or use specialized espionage equipment specifically required for espionage activities.
(7) No individual or organization may suppress, retaliate against, or take reprisals against individuals or organizations that assist the state security authorities in their work or that report or accuse others in accordance with the law.
10. If citizens or organizations detect suspicious activities that endanger national security or other subversive activities, please call the reporting hotline: 12339.