Chinanews, Beijing, Jan. 23 – On Monday, the Ministry of Land and Resources publicized on its website a regulation on foreigners’ mapping and surveying activities in China. According to this regulation, foreigners who engage in mapping and surveying activities that threaten Chinese national secrecy or national security will be held liable for their wrongdoing.

 

The regulation stipulates that if foreigners obtain the government's letter of approval by submitting forged documents, or if they conduct mapping activities in China after the government's letter of approval expires, Chinese authorities will rescind the letter. Foreigners will be required to stop their mapping activities and face up to 30,000 yuan of fine.

 

If any Chinese parties are found to be involved in the case, the persons in charge and other personnel who assume direct responsibility for the case shall be subject to administrative punishment. If they violate related laws, they shall also shoulder related criminal responsibilities. Their findings will be rescinded by the government.

 

According to the regulation, if anyone violates the rule by taking or transmitting his/her research findings outside China without the government's approval, Chinese mapping authority will impose a fine of up to 30,000 yuan. If his/her behaviors violate related laws, he/she shall also shoulder related criminal responsibilities.

 

The regulation outlines seven kinds of mapping activities which foreigners are forbidden to conduct in China. These activities include: mapping the land, taking aerospace surveying and mapping, mapping administrative boundary lines, ocean mapping and surveying, drawing geographic maps or ordinary maps, compiling electronic navigating maps, and other mapping and surveying activities outlined by Chinese authorities.