Lawmakers described the law as necessary to bolster its online security at a time of multiplying threats

BEIJING—China’s government approved a broad new cybersecurity law aimed at further tightening and centralizing state control over the internet, including the role foreign companies play in Chinese cyberspace.

The law, passed by the standing committee of China’s legislature and issued publicly on Nov. 5, tasks agencies and enterprises with improving their ability to defend against network intrusions while demanding security reviews for equipment and data in strategic sectors.

The law includes provisions such as a requirement that internet operators provide unspecified “technical assistance” to authorities in cases involving national security. It also requires security checks for equipment used for “critical infrastructure,” which is defined as including information services, energy, transportation, finance and other important sectors.

During the drafting, the law was criticized by some foreign business groups and technology experts as a blueprint for further walling off China’s already isolated internet. China’s lawmakers described the law as necessary to bolster its online security at a time of multiplying threats.

China, which is often accused of supporting cyberattacks on other countries but which says it is a frequent victim of hacking, has moved aggressively to bolster cybersecurity since Chinese President Xi Jinping took office four years ago.

SOURCE: THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, Nov. 6, 2016