Officials have clarified that the country will not prohibit foreigners from conducting legal surveying and mapping activities.

CRI reporter Xu Weiyi has the story.

Reporter:

As China continues to open up to the world, more and more foreign companies and individuals have come to the country to set up factories, conduct engineering projects, or carry out scientific research. Their need for surveying and mapping has increased as a result.

However, the government warns that foreigners' mapping and surveying could also threaten national security, if people illegally acquire important geographical data.

Therefore, in related laws, China requires foreign organizations and individuals who plan to do surveying and mapping in the country to obtain government approval and work jointly with Chinese partners.

However, Ma Yun, an official with the State Bureau of Survey and Mapping, says some foreigners have overlooked these regulations.

"When conducting normal projects like scientific research, education, travel and exploration, some foreigners do surveying and mapping illegally, without approval from related departments."

Many departments of the Chinese government have recently announced a joint notice, restating the compulsory approval procedure and strict supervision.

It says foreigners who illegally survey, gather and publish geographical information on China will be severely punished.

In addition, Ma Yun says China will draw a specific regulation to manage foreigners' mapping and survey activities.

But he stresses that the regulation will not have a negative impact on normal survey and mapping activities.

"The regulation we will soon introduce does not intend to ban foreigners from surveying and mapping in China. It just aims to strengthen management, so as to protect national security and promote economic and scientific exchange and cooperation between China and other countries."

The official says the new regulation will outline detailed requirements for work models, approval procedures, and legal responsibilities for foreign surveyors.

Xu Weiyi, CRI news