The Anti-Terrorism Law, the first of its kind in China, took effect on Jan 1, reflecting the State's determination to fight terrorism and clearly stating how the Chinese authorities are going to do it.

The law comes in the backdrop of rising terrorism across the world - from France to Tunisia, terrorists claimed hundreds of innocent lives and injured even more in 2015. Terrorists have become more brutal; in some cases they killed people indiscriminately instead of taking hostages, as before. On the other hand, political differences among the powers responsible to fight terrorism have prevented the formation of a strong alliance against terrorists.

In the Anti-Terrorism Law, China has given a clear definition of terrorism, and solemnly promised to oppose terrorism in all (its) forms, ban terrorist organizations, and hold the terrorist organizations accountable. It is China's unambiguous legal document and conforms to the new developments in the global fight against terrorism.