Caixin Global China Watch

Caixin Global China Watch

Share this post

Caixin Global China Watch
Caixin Global China Watch
Public Security Penalty Expansion Risks ‘Abuse of Power,’ Legal Experts Say

Public Security Penalty Expansion Risks ‘Abuse of Power,’ Legal Experts Say

Controversial draft revisions include new punishments for behavior that includes wearing clothing that hurts ‘the feelings of the Chinese nation’ in public and making remarks that hurt the national sp

Caixin Global's avatar
Caixin Global
Sep 08, 2023
∙ Paid
1

Share this post

Caixin Global China Watch
Caixin Global China Watch
Public Security Penalty Expansion Risks ‘Abuse of Power,’ Legal Experts Say
Share

Police officers on segways patrol a night market on June 16 in Zhoushan, East China’s Zhejiang province. Photo: VCG

Refer a friend

China’s top legislature is seeking public comment on draft public security law revisions that expand the scope of punishment for a wide range of behaviors, including cheating on exams, organizing pyramid schemes and unauthorized drone flights.

However, some of the proposals include penalties for wearing clothes deemed “detrimental to the feelings of the Chinese nation,” drawing criticism online from legal experts who said those measures violate people’s freedom and could lead to abuse of power.

This is the first major revision of the Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security since it came into force in 2006. It outlines punishments for minor offenses. The full text of the draft has been posted on the website of the National People’s Congress (NPC) for public comment until Sept. 30, following deliberations by the NPC Standing Committee last week. As of Thursday evening, more than 40,000 people had submitted comments to the legislature.

Those found to have violated this public security law could be subject to warnings, fines, detention or have certain licenses revoked by authorities. Foreigners who violate the law in China can also be subject to collateral consequences, such as expulsion from the country.

Yang Jianshun, a law professor at Renmin University, told Caixin the proposed changes show that the government discourages these behaviors and hopes that by doing so it will not only punish offenders but also serve as a wake-up call for others.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Caixin Global China Watch to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 CXG
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share