First counter-terrorism law adopted in China

On Sunday, China's top legislature adopted the country's first counter-terrorism law. It addresses issues of domestic terrorism, and helps maintain world security.

Long path for legislation
The first reading of the bill took place in October 2014, the second - in February of this year. Consideration of the bill on its third reading began on Monday Dec. 21st at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (the legislative body).
 
Earlier it was reported that the bill would strengthen the exchange of information between governmental agencies, the military, the police, and also strengthen security measures in cyberspace, security checks in transport, prevention of terrorist financing and control of state borders. In particular, the draft law envisages the creation of an anti-terrorist intelligence center for data collection.
Hot problem
China has faced the threat of terrorism for many years, and previously there were many terrorist acts inside the country directed against governmental bodies, the public, and infrastructure. Especially the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous district and Tibet region are given particular attention. There is a concentrated Muslim population in first region, and danger of Salafi extremists. The second region is described as a haven for a possible separatist movement too. 
 
Besides that, other targets may include Chinese personnel working in Pakistan and African countries, where extremist organizations operate.
China's outlook on Russia and the US
It is obvious that Bejing supports and respects Moscow in attempts to combat both homegrown and international terrorist organizations. 
 
China, on Tuesday, Dec. 22nd called for more international cooperation in fighting terrorism to avoid unfortunate incidents like the downing of the Russian plane last month. Russia and China are working together on security problems in the SCO.
 
It is interesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin on Dec 27th signed a law about the organization of counter-terrorist operative head-quarters in five sea regions of Russia. 
 
The Russian experience may be used for Chinese practical needs, but the results of China's new law also may impact Russians too.
 
The US seems to be on the other side of this, and Washington criticizes efforts of China. On Dec. 23rd, China rejected US criticism against its draft law on terrorism, and urged Washington to refrain from applying "double standards" in fighting terrorism.
 
"We hope the United States will stop groundless accusations and respect China's law-making processes," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing.
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terrorism