Penalties rise for illegal mapping

In an effort to protect national security, China has strengthened its oversight of foreigners and foreign organizations involved in geological surveys or mapping in the country, according to the top legislature.

An amendment to the Surveying and Mapping Law, which was passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Thursday, provides heavy punishments for foreigners or foreign organizations that illegally acquire geological data.

"With fast developments in recent years, many people and organizations overseas have begun collecting our information - economic, military and geological," said Yue Zhongming, deputy director of the office for legislative planning under the committee's Legal Affairs Commission.