The number of cases involving foreign institutions and
individuals conducting illegal surveying and mapping in China has
been on the rise in recent years, according to the State Bureau of
Surveying and Mapping (SBSM).
In the first six months of this year, local authorities have
handled five cases. They are investigating five others in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shanghai
Municipality, and Jiangxi and Jiangsu provinces.
SBSM said most of these foreigners came into the country under
the disguise of scientists, tourists, expedition leaders, and
archaeologists.
These foreign nationals carried out their illegal surveying and
mapping with advanced techniques and equipment. They obtained much
precise information and data regarding coordinates, topography and
geography, all of which may threaten China's state security,
according to the official.
Currently, surveying and mapping authorities of different levels
have stepped up their efforts to crack down on these kinds of
illegal activities, in collaboration with state security and
secrecy departments.
According to previous reports, last April, two Japanese scholars
were caught red handed while mapping the coordinates of an airport
and water facilities in Hotan of Xinjiang. Later the two foreigners
paid a fine of 80,000 yuan (about US$10,250).
In other cases, three Japanese were fined 40,000 yuan (about
US$5,260) in the first half of this year for illegal surveying
inside Shanghai Municipality and Jiangxi Province. The SBSM
confiscated their surveying equipment and records.
Last year, the Ministry of Land and Resources issued a statute
to prohibit foreigners from conducting land surveying, aerial
photography, mapping of administrative borders, and drawing
navigational maps.
According to the regulations, foreign institutions and
individuals intending to engage in surveying and mapping in China
must obtain official approval from the central government. Local
governments are then responsible for supervision over their
activities.
China's Law on Surveying and Mapping states that foreigners who
want to do surveying and mapping in the country must work together
with a local partner. Their activities must not involve state
secrets or jeopardize national security. All the results of
foreigner parties surveying and mapping belong to China. They must
not be brought and transmitted abroad without official permission
by Chinese authorities, according to the law.
Foreigners who have illegally surveyed, collected and published
geographical information on China will be severely punished
according to law.
(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2007)