Chinese bodies face crackdown under new influence rules

The government could target parts of China's security apparatus under new foreign influence rules, the Guardian has learned.

- Eleni Courea Dan Sabbagh

Ministers are considering including parts of the Chinese state accused of interference activities on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme (Firs).

China as a whole is not expected to be included on the enhanced tier, according to several people briefed on the discussions, but government sources stressed that no final decision about its status had been taken.

Firs, which will launch on 1 July, will require anyone in the UK acting for a foreign power or entity to declare their activities to the government. The scheme will operate on two tiers. The enhanced tier will cover countries and entities deemed a particular risk, which will require extra disclosures.