China’s New State Secrets Law Sparks Concerns for Foreign Businesses Operating in the Country

BEIJING, CHINA – China has passed new rules that will broaden the scope of what can be classified as a state secret, raising concerns about transparency and potential liabilities. The updated state secrets law, set to take effect on May 1, includes a provision that extends precautions for state secrets to also cover unclassified information known as work secrets. The definition of work secrets encompasses information that could have an “adverse impact” if leaked. However, critics argue that the definition is vague and open to abuse, potentially limiting the public’s right to information. Jeremy Daum, … Read more

UK Foreign Secretary Warns Israel of Possible Breach of International Law in Gaza Crisis

London, United Kingdom – The UK foreign secretary, Lord Cameron, issued a stark warning on Tuesday and implied that the UK would not support a full-scale attack on the Rafah area in Gaza. Lord Cameron declared that if Israel fails to provide food and water to the people of Gaza, it would be in breach of international law as the occupying power. He expressed concerns about Israel’s conduct and highlighted the impossibility for the people of Rafah to relocate, given the destruction of their homes and the unfeasibility of traveling into Egypt. Lord Cameron emphasized … Read more

Foreign Funding of Mass Tort Litigations Raises National Security Concerns and Threatens American Innovation

Washington, D.C. – Innovation is a critical asset for the United States, but it is facing a growing threat. Foreign competitors and adversaries are increasingly engaging in industrial espionage against American companies, posing a significant risk to national security. One emerging avenue through which foreign entities can gain access to sensitive information and manipulate the American economy is the third-party funding of mass tort litigation. To address this issue, a change in the law is necessary. Mass tort litigations involve lawsuits filed by lawyers who specialize in suing large corporations for damages caused by their … Read more

Growing Concerns: Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land Takes Center Stage in 2023

State legislatures across the country have been grappling with the issue of foreign ownership of agricultural land. This issue, which gained attention at both the federal and state levels in 2023, is the second most significant development in ag law and tax for that year. While it is not a new issue, foreign ownership of agricultural land has long been a concern due to its implications for national security and the food supply. Under English common law, aliens were restricted from acquiring land without the approval of the King. This restriction was based on the … Read more