China to set up leading organ for counter-terrorism

China will set up leading organs of different levels to direct counter-terrorism work, according to the country's first counter-terrorism law passed Sunday.

The law stipulates that the State sets up a national leading organ for counter-terrorism work.

Governments of and above city level shall also set up organs to lead and direct counter-terrorism work while those at county level could establish such organs if necessary, according to the law passed at the bi-monthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

Departments of public security, state security, people's procuratorates and courts, judicial administrations, the People's Liberation Army, the Armed Forces and militiamen are all obliged to fight against terrorism, according to the law.

The State opposes terrorism of any form. It makes no compromise with terrorist organizations and individuals. No shelter or refugee status will be provided to terrorists, according to the law.

The law defines terrorism as any proposition or activity -- that, by means of violence, sabotage or threat, generates social panic, undermines public security, infringes personal and property rights, and menaces government organs and international organizations -- with the aim to realize certain political and ideological purposes.

The counter-terrorism work sticks to principles of uniting the force of special teams and the people, putting prevention as priority, combining punishment and preventive means as well as taking preemptive measures to gain the initiative, according to the law.

The law stresses that human rights shall be respected and guaranteed. Citizens' freedom of religious belief and ethnic customs shall be respected during the counter-terrorism work.

Any units and individuals have the obligation to assist and cooperate with related departments to fight against terrorism. Those making contributions should be honored and rewarded, according to the law. Endi