China: Public security bureau becomes main target of terrorist activities

The Report on the National Security of China (2014), China’s first blue book on national security, was issued in Beijing on Monday. According to the report, against a backdrop where international terrorist activities are on an upward trend, terrorist incidents within China’s territory in 2013 showed a range of new features. The report draws the conclusion that terrorist activities within China’s territory are expanding across regions, with the government and the police as the main targets. The infiltration of religious extremists is posing a threat to the solidarity of socialist belief.

Terrorist activities within China’s territory are expanding across regions.

According to the report, with the gradual expansion of its overseas interests China is facing a growing international security risk. Terrorism in the era of globalization will also affect Chinese living abroad.

Additionally, against a backdrop where international terrorist activities are on an upward trend, terrorist incidents within China’s territory in 2013 were a freequent occurrence. According to official information, 10 violent terrorist attacks took place within China’s territory in 2013.

The report states that since some elements of the terrorist incidents are associated with international forces, they cannot be prevented by national power organs alone. The establishment of the National Security Council, the highest trans-department decision-making body and deliberation and coordination agency, is a strategic measure to ensure that national security is effectively safeguarded.

The infiltration of religious extremism is posing a threat to the solidarity of socialist belief.

Religious extremists manipulated by hostile western forces are both provocative and deceptive, employing more diverse and subtle measures and spread over a wider range. The infiltration of overseas forces has spread its influence into most areas of China, and this situation is intensifying, according to the report.

All the terrorists involved in the attacks of 2013 were religious extremists, according to the report. They were brought together to watch videos advocating religious extremism and terrorism before they perpetrated their atrocities.

“The infiltration of religious extremists is posing a serious threat to China's ideological security and China’s national security. We must heighten our vigilance against this problem,” the report pointed out.

The National Security Council will coordinate security both domestically and internationally.

According to the central conference and documents, the National Security Council is the highest decision-making body and deliberation and coordination agency for national security. The National Security Council will coordinate security both domestically and internationally and it has four main functions.

Firstly, establish and implement national security strategies. Secondly, boost the national security network and structure. Thirdly, establish national security policies. Fourthly, analysze and resolve major issues concerning national security.