1st LD-Writethru-Xinhua Insight: China observes 1st National Security Education Day

The government distributed lots of promotional materials for the first National Security Education Day on Friday.

The campaign, following the passing of the National Security Law last summer, is spearheaded by lecture programs available on several new media platforms.

Pamphlets, posters and animations have been distributed in government organizations, schools, businesses and housing complexes, according to the Ministry of Justice.

On July 1 of 2015, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed the National Security Law, declaring April 15 a day for raising awareness of national security among the public.

The law, covering areas including defense, finance, science and technology, culture, religion, and cybersecurity, demands the establishment of a coordinated and efficient crisis management system.

OVERALL SECURITY

Wu Hao, an official with the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, said China is under the "dual pressure" of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests internationally, and maintaining political security and social stability domestically.

Wu said to cope with expected and unexpected risk factors, particularly in non-conventional security sectors, a comprehensive law on national security is necessary.

Legal experts noted that instead of the traditional understanding of national security, a new national security outlook is about building an integrated system that protects the country's security in regards of politics, territory, military, economy, culture, society, science and technology, information, environment, resources and nuclear power.

They also backed the establishment of the national security review and regulatory system.

Mo Jihong, deputy director of Institute of Law of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), said examining matters that concern national security is an international common practice. It is necessary to ensure that foreign capital and technology in China are operated in accordance with law.

Li Zhong, another law researcher with the CASS, underlined efforts to secure culture. "No state will allow harmful culture instigating hate among racial and ethnic groups or other negative ideology to spread unchecked," Li said.

Emphasis on cultural security is not about cultural seclusion or free speech restriction, said the expert.

Li said cultural exchanges between China and other countries around the world will never be halted. "We will continue dialogs on equal basis with others and enrich our culture and contribute to the interests of all mankind during this process."

Li said that at present, national security should also cover the cyberspace as it matters to a country's sovereignty, security and development interests as well.

EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY

Ling Shengli, secretary-general of the International Security Study Center at the China Foreign Affairs University, said national security education among citizens is necessary for the country's overall security.

Li said some national security violations were caused by people's unintentional curiosity or negligence. "Therefore, it is necessary to improve the public's awareness of the relevance of nation security issues to their lives."

"After all, national security is about the security of the people," Mo said. "National security is closely linked with every individual's security. To safeguard national security is to safeguard the citizens' security, and such work also needs support from the citizens." Endi