White Paper Details Anti-Terrorism Practices

It is China’s first paper to systematically detail China’s legal systems and practices on fighting terrorism. 　

Besides the preface and conclusion, the white paper consists of five parts: “An Improving Legal Framework for Counterterrorism,” “Clear Provisions for the Determination and Punishment of Terrorist Activities,” “Standardized Exercise of Power in Fighting Terrorism,” “Protection of Human Rights in Counterterrorism Practices” and “Effective Protection of People’s Safety and National Security,” the Xinhua News Agency reported. 　

The white paper noted that terrorism is the common enemy of humanity, posing a grave threat to international peace and security, and representing a challenge to all countries. 

　

“All members of the international community share the responsibility to fight it,” the paper reads. 　

As a victim of terrorism, China has long-faced its real threat, according to the white paper. China has previously published papers on the government’s anti-terrorism efforts in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China’s major battlefield against terrorism. 　

Li Changlin, a professor at Southwest University of Political Science & Law (SWUPL) Human Rights Institute, in Southwest China’s Chongqing, told State-run newspaper Global Times that previous white papers concerning Xinjiang tended to focus on fighting extremism, protecting human rights of all ethnic groups and promoting the development of Xinjiang. The latest white paper is not limited to Xinjiang, but focuses on the legal framework for anti-terrorism efforts nationwide. 　

“The legislation of anti-terrorism means normalizing anti-terrorism measures and putting them into the legal framework. It is an institutional move to effectively prevent any overreaction in the fight against terrorism,” Professor Meng Qingtao, also of the Human Rights Institute at SWUPL, told China News Service. Meng added that the white paper intends to show how China has creatively balanced the need to protect human rights while fighting terrorism. 　

“Strengthening human rights is an important direction of the legislation of China’s anti-terrorism efforts,” Zheng Ruohan, an associate professor at the same Human Rights Institute, told China News Service. “The legislation process is part of China’s construction of the rule of law and the development of human rights,” he added. 　

Over the years, China has found a path of law-based counterterrorism that conforms to its realities by establishing a sound legal framework, promoting strict, impartial and procedure-based law enforcement, and ensuring impartial administration of justice and effective protection of human rights, the document said. 　

According to Chinese media reports, the Chinese mainland has not experienced a terror attack since 2017, but some foreign media outlets spread rumors or distort China’s antiterrorism efforts, especially regarding Xinjiang. Experts believe that the new white paper will greatly help dispel rumors and provide the world with the Chinese experience in fighting terrorism. 　

“Upholding the vision of a global community of shared future, China is willing to work closely with other countries to push forward counterterrorism cause as part of global governance,” the document says.