Security Services in China

China presents a security profile unlike any other country in the P1 network. Physical crime in Beijing and Shanghai is genuinely low by international comparison. The elevated risk assessment reflects legal and operational factors that are distinct from the street crime and terrorism calculus that applies elsewhere.

The National Security Law (NSL), enforced with a 99% conviction rate in the Chinese judicial system, creates a legal environment where the definition of a prosecutable offence is broad and the procedural protections familiar to Western executives do not apply in the same form. This is not theoretical risk. FCDO, the US State Department, and multiple EU governments have issued explicit advisories for their nationals.

Exit bans: The primary executive risk

Exit bans are the primary personal security concern for senior executives operating in China. An exit ban requires no court order in the Western sense and can be issued by administrative authority in the context of investigations, civil disputes, or national security matters. Cases involving executives from US, UK, German, and Japanese companies have been documented and publicly reported.

Pre-travel legal review of any existing or potential litigation exposure in China is part of our deployment planning for China visits at C-suite level.

Operating requirements for foreign security teams

Direct foreign security operation in China is not permitted. Our China deployments work through a Chinese-licensed partner entity. Physical security is delivered by certified Chinese operators. Our role covers planning, briefing, standards oversight, and continuity with the client’s international security programme.

This structure is not unique to us: it is the only legal framework available. Any operator claiming to provide direct foreign security services in China without a joint venture structure should be questioned carefully about their legal position.

Device and information security

Corporate espionage and device compromise are active concerns for executives carrying commercially sensitive information into China. State surveillance infrastructure is extensive. Device security during China visits, including the management of personal and corporate phones, laptops, and cloud access, is a distinct but related risk that sits alongside physical CP. A complete China deployment plan addresses both.

The 2023 Counter-Espionage Law expansion

The PRC Counter-Espionage Law was significantly expanded in March 2023, broadening the definition of espionage to include the transfer of any data or materials relevant to national security and interests. The revised law applies to a wider range of activities that Western executives routinely conduct: due diligence on Chinese companies, information gathering about supply chains, competitive intelligence, and market research.

The practical effect is that activities which do not constitute espionage under Western legal frameworks may trigger investigation under Chinese law. Multiple EU, UK, and US business advisory bodies published guidance to their members following the March 2023 amendment. The Mintz Group office raid in Beijing in March 2023 and the subsequent detention of staff was cited by several governments as a case demonstrating the law’s application to standard business information activity. Our China deployments include a legal risk briefing covering the 2023 amendment as a required component.

For digital security protocols relevant to the China environment, see our executive digital security guide.

Source: FCDO Travel Advice: China (2024). US State Department China Country Report 2024. National Security Law (2020). PRC Counter-Espionage Law (as amended March 2023). PRC Regulations on Administration of Security Services (2010).

Our in-country operations cover the following cities: Beijing, Shanghai.

For professional support in this region, see our executive protection services.