Chinese legislators have adopted a series of laws at the end of a week-long bimonthly session in Beijing. Among those passed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee, was China's first counter-terrorism law. The law will go into effect on January 1st.
A press conference has been held on the passage of China's first counter-terrorism law. The Public Security Ministry said the law is in response to the growing terrorism threat in the country and the world at large.
"The passage of the specialized counter-terrorism legislation is based on the current provisions of law. It comes both from the need to combat terrorism and from China's responsibility in the international community. It will provide legal support and guarantees for the nation to combat terrorist activities, safeguard national and public security, the security of people's lives and property, and strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation in the international community," said An Weixing, division chief of Counter-terrorism, Public Security Ministry.
The criminal Law office said in implementing the law, it's imperative to strike a balance between safeguarding social security, and protecting the lawful rights of individuals and organizations.
"First of all, terrorism is a huge threat to national and public security, as well as the safety of life and property of Chinese citizens. That's why we're strengthening measures to combat terrorism, and to effectively prevent and strike at terrorist activities. This in itself is an important part of protecting human rights," said Li Shouwei, deputy head of Criinal Law Office, NPC Standing Committee.
"And secondly, law enforcement agencies should be given necessary measures to conduct counter-terrorism operations. But we need to regulate these law enforcement missions, and avoid infringements on the lawful rights of individuals and organizations."
Li also made it clear that certain requirements mandating technology companies to share information during terrorism-related investigations, will not hurt business interests or infringe upon human rights.
"Such regulations will not affect the normal business operation of companies, and we do not use the law to set up 'back doors' to violate the intellectual property rights of companies, or to undermine free speech on the Internet and people's religious beliefs," Li said.
Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry said terrorism poses a prominent threat to global security. And the counter-terrorism legislation takes into account conditions specific to China.
The newly-passed law establishes basic principles for counter-terrorism work, and strengthens measures for prevention, handling, punishment as well as international cooperation. Officials say it's essential to address terrorism at home, and help maintain global security.
