China to pass its anti-terrorism law despite US’ criticism

The controversial anti-terrorism law of China is continuing to put a strain on their relationship with the US. Reports say that China is still pushing forward to pass the aforementioned law despite negative feedbacks from the US government.

In the past weeks, it has been learned that China is planning to implement its new anti-terrorism law which would require tech firms to install “back doors” or disclose highly-sensitive information including encryption keys to the Government.

United States President Barack Obama, meanwhile, has expressed concerns about the law with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to ABC News, China’s National People’s Congress said in a brief statement that they will hold a news briefing on Sunday to further discuss the law. However, since Parliament is not able to challenge or block legislation proposed by the ruling Communist Party, the controversial law holds a certainty to pass.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei disagreed with the US’ remarks against the law. He said in a report from Telegraph UK that he was “dissatisfied” with the US’ position and was hoping that they paid respect into China’s law-making decision.

“China faced a serious threat from terrorism and needed to improve its legal framework to deal with the problem. What we are doing is reasonable and fair,” Hong said.

Hong notes that terrorists have been using internet as a device to operate and his country needed laws to block those threats. He also related that they’ve referred to the laws of other countries, US included, while formulating the law.

"The draft of our anti-terrorism law mandates the obligation of telecommunications operators, Internet servers and service providers to assist public and state security organ in stopping and probing terrorist activities," Hong added.

On a related issue, Westerners residing in the Chinese capital received warnings of possible terrorist threats in shopping areas and night clubs during the Holiday period – US Official said in a report from Radio Free Asia.

Chinese officials dispatched SWAT teams to ensure the public’s safety adds the report. The British and Australian embassies received the same warnings as high security alert among Christmas shoppers are ongoing.

The imminent terrorist attacks in the world have become a serious problem for every country. It seems logical for a rich country like China to think for a strategic plan to combat these threats.

Tags

China, anti-terrorism law, USA, Barack Obama, US government, Xi Jinping, Chinese President Xi Jinping

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