A white paper titled “China’s Legal Framework and Measures for Counterterrorism” was released by the State Council Information Office of China on Tuesday, according to Xinhua report.
“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” are the five sections that make up the white paper, excluding the introduction and conclusion.
According to the white paper, terrorism is the common enemy of humanity, a serious threat to global peace and security, and an obstacle for all nations and all of humanity. “All members of the international community share the responsibility to fight it,” it read.
As a victim of terrorism, China has long faced its true threat, according to the text. It further stated that China has always placed a high value on law-based counterterrorism initiatives and has gained experience through signing or ratifying international agreements and treaties, as well as through updating and strengthening its criminal laws.
According to the document, China has established a strong legal framework, encouraged strict, impartial, procedure-based law enforcement, and ensured the impartial administration of justice and effective protection of human rights as a means of finding a law-based counterterrorism strategy that is in line with its realities over time.
According to the white paper, China has revised the counterterrorism sections of other pertinent laws, improved its criminal laws, and created a counterterrorism legislation. This has reinforced the systematic coordination across laws.
filled legal gaps, strengthened weak points, and created a cohesive counterterrorism strategy.
The white paper stated that China has progressively developed a counterterrorism legislative framework based on the Constitution because of more than 40 years of experience.
According to the text, the Counterterrorism Law is the main piece of the legal framework, with the Criminal laws and the National Security Law also having significant roles, and other laws acting as supplements.
The text also states that it addresses departmental and local government policies, judicial interpretations, local regulations, and administrative regulations.
The white paper claims that China aggressively works to raise the bar for terrorist prevention in important areas and sectors, develops or updates counterterrorism backup plans, and fosters and supports technical advancement and scientific research pertaining to counterterrorism.
According to the white paper, the Chinese government has been successful in stopping the spread of terrorism, defending citizens’ rights to life, health, and property, and upholding social stability. It has also taken strong measures to safeguard citizens’ and organizations’ legal rights and interests and prevent discrimination on the basis of geography, ethnicity, or religion.
According to the text, China prioritizes upholding social order, protecting victims’ and interested parties’ rights, and defending suspects, defendants, and convicts’ rights equally while addressing cases involving terrorist offenses and crimes.
According to the text, among other things, efforts are made to ensure the rights to legal remedy, information and participation, defense, and judicial procedures in ethnic spoken and written languages.
The statement stated that China places a higher priority on the education and rehabilitation of individuals who have been influenced by extreme ideologies but have only committed minor transgressions, even as it takes strong action against illegal and criminal terrorist actions.
According to the statement, women’s associations, other social organizations, schools, families, religious institutions, and government departments work together to provide targeted intervention measures that shield the affected areas from further harm.
In line with the legislation, China has established case management responsibilities and reinforced external control to guarantee the uniform and systematic exercise of power in managing terrorism cases, according to the white paper.
It further stated that China has become a member of twelve international counterterrorism conventions and has contributed to the creation of many agreements, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States Agreement on Border Defense Cooperation and the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism.
“China has safeguarded national and public security, protected people’s lives and property, and contributed to global and regional security and stability,” stated the statement.
The white paper states that international efforts to combat terrorism under the rule of law include counterterrorism strategies that uphold the universal values of humanity, adhere to UN norms and principles, and respect national laws and legal systems.
According to the text, China is prepared to collaborate closely with other nations in order to advance the cause of counterterrorism as part of global governance, in line with the idea of a global community with shared futures.
