US asks China not to enforce cyber security law

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The United States has asked China not to implement its new cyber security law and is concerned it could damage global trade in services, a US document published by the World Trade Organization (WTO) showed on Tuesday.

China ushered in a tough new cyber security law in June, following years of fierce debate around the move that many foreign business groups fear will hit their ability to operate in the country.

The law requires local and overseas firms to submit to security checks and store user data within the country.

The US has asked China not to implement its new cyber security law and is concerned it could damage global trade in services. /Reuters Photo

If China’s new rules enter into full force in their current form, as expected by the end of 2018, they could impact cross-border services supplied through a commercial presence abroad, said the US document, submitted for debate at the WTO Services Council.

“China’s measures would disrupt, deter, and in many cases, prohibit cross-border transfers of information that are routine in the ordinary course of business,” it said.

“The United States has been communicating these concerns directly to high-level officials and relevant authorities in China,” the US document said, adding it wanted to raise awareness among WTO members about the potential impact on trade.

“We request that China refrain from issuing or implementing final measures until such concerns are addressed.”

The US document said companies located outside of China supplying services on a cross-border basis would be severely affected by the new cyber security law. /Reuters Photo

The two-page US document said the measures causing concern included the Cybersecurity Law adopted in November 2016 and took effect June 2017 and various implementing measures connected with that law and the July 2015 National Security Law.

“The impact of the measures would fall disproportionately on foreign service suppliers operating in China, as these suppliers must routinely transfer data back to headquarters and other affiliates,” the US document said.

“Companies located outside of China supplying services on a cross-border basis would be severely affected, as they must depend on access to data from their customers in China,” it added.

Source(s): Reuters