China Imposes $1.5 Million Fine on US Research Firm for Information-Gathering

China's government has fined American research firm Mintz Group $1.5 million as part of a crackdown on information-gathering activities. Mintz Group was one of several foreign consultants raided by Chinese authorities after the government announced expanded anti-spying rules, leaving companies uncertain about permissible actions. The firm was found to have engaged in illegal "foreign-related statistical investigation activities without obtaining approval." This crackdown has raised concerns among foreign investors, as China tightens control over the economy and society, including data security measures and restrictions on information movement.