China's cybersecurity draft law targets foreign hackers

Xinhua says the draft would allow police and other agencies to freeze assets and apply "other necessary punishment" against foreign hackers, while also requiring expanded security measures for industries including public communications, energy and finance.

Foreign technology companies, particularly Silicon Valley giants with a stake in the Chinese market, also worry that the rules have a secondary motive of protecting the domestic technology sector by discouraging Chinese buyers in both the private and public sectors from purchasing foreign products.